Students from NZSE College’s ATC Military Prep programmes recently braved the Terminator Challenge, tackling the ultimate test of grit, discipline, and teamwork.
Held at the scenic Hunua Falls Camp and sponsored by TSI Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), the challenge is designed to mirror the intensity found in real-world military training, testing the students’ physical and mental strength.
ATC students teamed off in groups and circulated six stations, which included wall scaling, dragging tyres, crawling under wire, pulling weighed-down medical stretchers, and more. These exercises reflect the stamina, grit, and tactical skills essential for careers in the New Zealand Defence Force, Police, Fire Services, Security, and other vital services.
“The Terminator Challenge is one of the most important events for the ATC Military Prep school. It’s an annual event that I always look forward to – it’s incredible to see our students display their self-confidence and leadership skills, as well as the life-long friendships and whānau connections,” says Wendy Liao, Group CEO.
A special highlight of this year’s event was the involvement of TSI Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a passionate organisation committed to supporting Māori and Pasifika success in the trades. As a key sponsor of the event, MPTT hosted a workshop that fostered a lively conversation among students, where rangatahi shared their values, personal definitions of success, and their aspirations for future career paths. Filled with laughter and energy, this session provided students with a space to reflect on their strengths and envision the possibilities that lie ahead.
“I’m still in awe of how amazing all these young people are. Their amazing energy and kaupapa, coupled with the incredible staff, made a fantastic event,” says Atarau Pouwhare-Ellis, Kaihautū of Māori and Pasifika Trades Training.
Students from NZSE’s Manukau and Hamilton campuses banded together under the guidance of their nominated team leaders, who played a key role in motivating their peers and maintaining team morale.
Caroline, a team leader and student in the Uniformed Services programme, says that being a team leader is more than just the personal satisfaction of victory. “I help clean up the room, make the beds, and encourage the team to be the early birds at breakfast. It’s really about setting standards and inspiring the other groups as well.”
Caroline’s infectious energy and grin makes it obvious why she was voted by her peers to be a team leader. After she graduates ATC, she hopes to get into the Navy as a chef. “ATC has helped me with so many opportunities, in leadership, financial needs, and more. They have supported me get closer to my career, and closer to my dreams.”
Another team leader at Terminator, Jacob, has similar ambitions and aims to be accepted into the New Zealand Defence Force when he graduates. He laughs when he reminisces on his first week at ATC – “I thought I could just fly through the military preparation process. That was not the case – I found out pretty quickly I was unfit for the challenge. I wouldn’t have been prepared for that next chapter if I didn’t come to ATC.”
Head of School Daryl Parkin was at the frontlines of Terminator, participating in the endurance challenges alongside his students with an unwavering smile. “ATC is built on foundation of leadership, communication, and discipline, and through the Terminator Challenge we reinforce these values. What we discover is that our students come out as leaders. They arrive at ATC disengaged with education, shy, and unsure of their potential. By the end of our programmes, they leave with confidence in themselves and their future. I couldn’t be prouder.”
