Papakura local joins Royal New Zealand Airforce after “emotionally challenging” training
A Papakura resident has joined the airforce after completing 14 weeks of challenging training.
Aircraftman (AC) Suhailjeet Singh, 20, immigrated with his family from New Delhi, India, in 2003, and is a former student at Rosehill College.
“I am a hands-on person with interest in cars and motorbikes. My cousin, who is a mechanical engineer, suggested that I should find out about careers in the RNZAF and apply,” he said.
“He nagged me until I did find out the necessary information.”
Singh is leaning the aircraft technician trade, which includes working on airframes, engines, structure, modifications and troubleshooting of aircraft.
“The recruit training is very challenging as it takes you from a civilian to a serviceperson in 14 weeks. You are challenged physically, mentally and sometimes emotionally but at the end of it you know you have done the hard work and you can wear the uniform with pride as you have earned it,” he said.
“I have learned a lot during my training and I’ve formed lifelong friendships with many fellow air men and women. Being the only Indian, and the only Sikh male in this group, I did not feel alone or apart.“
RNZAF’s dress code accommodates people with different religious backgrounds, such as issuing material for turbans as part of the uniform.
Singh is allowed to keep on him the “five Ks” required as part of his faith: uncut hair (Kesh), a wooden comb (Kangha), an iron bracelet (Kara), a cotton undergarment (Kachera) and an iron dagger (Kirpan). He is also an ardent student of the Sikh martial art Gatka.
“We are a mixture of New Zealanders from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds and come from many different families but we now also belong to another bigger family, the RNZAF,” he said.
“This may not be the country of our birth or heritage but it is our home and I, and hopefully others, would feel privileged to have the right to defend this land and waters, to keep all New Zealand families and communities safe.”
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.7% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.3% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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