At 18, Tauranga’s Macy Svendsen already wears more uniforms than most people do in a lifetime. Between leading fellow cadets in the Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit, managing shifts at Burger Fuel in Mount Maunganui, and patrolling the beach as a surf lifesaver, service and leadership have become second nature to her.

Born and raised in Tauranga, Svendsen said the city had been a constant influence on her drive to give back.

“This city has been my home and has shaped me to be the person I am today,” she said.

Now studying a Level 3 Police and Defence Force Preparation course at Te Ohomai Institute of Technology, Svendsen has her sights set firmly on a future of service – either as a medic in the New Zealand Army or as a police officer.

“Both roles give me the chance to serve others, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about.”

 Macy Svendsen is a Burger Fuel shift manager.  Photo / Brydie Thompson

That passion first took shape when she joined the WBOP Cadet Unit, where she quickly rose through the ranks.

Hard work

“When I first joined cadets, I set myself a big goal to become Warrant Officer Class 2,” she said. “It took a lot of hard work, perseverance and consistent self-improvement, but today I’m proud to serve my unit as Company Sergeant Major.”

Through cadets, Svendsen has honed leadership, communication, and teamwork skills – abilities that have translated into her job at Burger Fuel, where she now works as a shift manager.

“The ability to lead under pressure, stay organised, and support a team has transferred directly from cadets to my workplace,” she said.

Calm under pressure

Her commitment to community service extends beyond the barracks and the burger grill. For the past four years, Svendsen has volunteered as a lifeguard at Mount Maunganui, where she’s learned to stay calm under pressure and respond to emergencies with confidence.

“Lifeguarding has deepened my commitment to helping others and shown me how rewarding community service can be,” she said. “Whether it’s through cadets, my job, or lifeguarding, one thing has remained consistent – my drive to serve.”

Macy Svendsen the lifeguard. Photo / Supplied

Commander Elisha Crawshaw of the Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit said the organisation, founded in 1998 with support from the local 6th Hauraki Battalion, aims to grow young people into capable leaders.

“The ideal starting age is around 13,” Crawshaw said. “It’s about helping them develop self-discipline — from ironing their uniforms and packing their gear to learning teamwork, bushcraft, navigation and first aid. Over time, they progress from leading themselves to leading teams and even other leaders.”

Growth

Crawshaw said cadets like Svendsen embody the programme’s purpose.

“It’s about growing the youth of today,” he said. “You can see their confidence lift as they take pride in what they do.”

For Svendsen, that growth is ongoing – and so is her dedication to service.

“As I look to the future, whether that’s in the Army or with the Police, I know everything I’ve learned so far has prepared me to step up, lead with integrity, and make a real difference.”