"While Mitchell didn't get the opportunity to deploy, he was awarded the NZ Defence Service Medal in 2018."
"His mates have described Mitchell as a bright, fit and professional soldier who lived to work hard - play hard. He was a good mate to all and a keen motorcycle enthusiast."
Boswell said it was "incredibly sad" to lose the young soldier.
"I know his family, his partner, his mates and his unit will be deeply affected by Mitchell's passing, and the thoughts of us all are with them at this difficult time."
It was the third fatal motorcycle crash in the South Island over the weekend, following accidents in Timaru and Nelson on Saturday.
A message from the Chief of Army Major General John Boswell.
I‘m sorry to have to confirm that this weekend, following...
