Lieutenant Teagan Andrews-Paul at the entrance to the renovated medical facility. Photo / Australian Defence Force
Lieutenant Teagan Andrews-Paul at the entrance to the renovated medical facility. Photo / Australian Defence Force
An Army engineer who grew up in Ōhope has put her skills to work helping an Indonesian community during an international disaster-response exercise.
Lieutenant Teagan Andrews-Paul, of the New Zealand Army’s 2nd Engineer Regiment, led combat engineers during Exercise Trident Resolve in Banten, Indonesia, the New Zealand Defence Forcesaid.
The exercise focused on cyber security, humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR), and military medicine, bringing together about 2200 personnel from 19 militaries and civilian agencies to prepare for natural disasters.
As part of the exercise, a team of 13 New Zealand Army engineers helped renovate a medical facility while managing the work site.
At the conclusion of the exercise, the facility was handed over to the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Indonesia’s national armed forces.
Andrews-Paul said working alongside the local community was a highlight.
“We had a school very close to our work site and the children would come down every day to watch and hang out with us.”
Members of the New Zealand Defence Force hand over a renovated medical clinic as part of a multinational effort during Exercise Trident Resolve in Banten, Indonesia. Photo / Australian Defence Force
Born in Canada, Andrews-Paul grew up in Masterton and Ōhope in the Bay of Plenty. She attended Wairarapa College and Trident High School.
Military life was already familiar to her, with both of her parents having served in the New Zealand Army. Her mother was a transport officer, while her father was a chef and professional athlete.
A love of the outdoors and challenging herself physically and mentally helped influence Andrews-Paul’s decision to enlist in 2021.
“Anything involving mental and physical perseverance has always been a huge draw for me and that is why the Army felt like the right choice.
“The Army offers some great opportunities while also continuously providing new challenges.
“Just when I think I understand my job, there is always something new I get to learn about.”
The opportunity to help communities during emergencies was also a key reason she chose the Corps of Engineers.
“I was very interested in being able to provide HADR support to countries during times of crisis and that is why I wanted to join the Corps of Engineers. It’s a big part of our role.”
Exercise Trident Resolve was her first opportunity to undertake that kind of work overseas.
She said she found it very rewarding.
For others considering a career with the New Zealand Defence Force, Andrews-Paul said preparation was important.
“The work and training is rewarding but it can be hard – it’s designed to push you.
“If you want to be challenged, learn new skills and have experiences you cannot get in any other job, the military could be the right pathway for you.”
