UCOL students proved they were up for a creative challenge when the Year Two Bachelor of Visual Imaging students as part of their Creative Media course, were briefed by the NZCTC (New Zealand Collective Training Centre – part of the New Zealand Defence Force) on a new identity for its pre-deployment unit.
Following the briefing students Becky Doyle, Sam Hapeta and Mackenzie Fabish pitched their ideas to the NZCTC, feedback lead to more refinement, a re-pitch and eventually working concepts into fruition. Lecturer Steven Leurink said “This opportunity takes them outside the idea they think is right and makes them listen, interpret and solve a creative solution for the clients – in this case the defence force, giving them real life experience”
This collaborative approach saw concepts grow to encompass the journey soldiers undertake during their training to being ready to undertake final preparation to be deployed overseas.
Kia Takatā Ngā Toa – Ready the Warriors, is the key focus of the identity to embed the identity mana and the importance of readiness and purpose also connections to an underpinning of the warrior with-in and acknowledging Ngati Tumatauenga as well as Tangata whenua.
The elements developed will now be part of NZDF history, with the sculpture installation sitting proudly under the flagpole in front of NZCTC headquarters, the badge on the arms of the uniform of the soldiers becoming part of their identity, personal memorabilia and a captivating mural for all those visiting the base to inspire and reflect upon.
LT Col Peter Curran was involved from the beginning and said “The students involved in this project are to participate in this celebration where UCOL have been the catalyst in achieving the results that the NZCTC required. This opportunity has enabled our students to become part of history for the NZDF and an identity much needed for the NZCTC”.
Students and staff of UCOL visited the base today to be part of the celebrations, with the new look identity launched at the Linton Army Base. As fitting for such an event a parade took place while students and their work was acknowledged in a number of speeches.
Pictured top: Lecturer Steve Leurink, MacKenzie Fabish, Becky Doyle and Sam Hapeta.
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