Waikato soldier stands out at New Zealand Army Reserve Force Recruit Awards

Private Luke Hartnell in the Waiouru Military Training Area during his recruit course. Photo / Sergeant Williams, New Zealand Defence Force

As an avid hunter, Luke Hartnell, 33, formerly of Waikato, is more than used to carrying his rifle and gear through the New Zealand bush.

He also seems to be a pretty good shot, a recent accolade shows.

Hartnell recently completed a New Zealand Army Reserve Force recruit course where he refined his bush skills and received the Top Shot Award, given to the most accurate shooter in the course.

Private Hartnell said shooting in the Army was different from hunting – although there were “definitely” similarities.

“It’s important for me to always be at the top of my game in my work. You don’t want to maim an animal, it needs to be a clean shot.”

Despite striving for perfect results and hoping to be a contender for the award, on the day of the weapons qualification, Hartnell had reservations about how well he had done. Coming out on top came as a bit of a surprise.

“When I went down to the targets, a couple of the guys asked who was on lane one because they’d ‘done amazingly well’. I was pretty stoked – it was my lane. I hadn’t done as badly as I’d thought!”

Hartnell grew up on Auckland’s North Shore but has lived in the Waikato for the past seven years. He runs Hartnell Services, providing a range of agricultural labour services, including fencing.

In 2021, Hartnell and his teammate Luke Holmes represented the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region at the New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Goldpine Fencing Competition in Christchurch – and won.

Hartnell said he wanted to join the Army’s Reserve Force because he liked the idea of helping others, particularly those in need.

Private Luke Hartnell receives his Top Shot Award from Colonel Brendon Jull, Assistant Chief of Army (Reserves). Photo / Sergeant Williams, New Zealand Defence Force

“By joining the Reserve Force you can make a real difference locally, in the Pacific and further abroad, whether that’s through civil defence, peacekeeping or combat roles,” he said.

“While the military is certainly an adventure, it comes with serious responsibilities and sacrifices too. At the end of the day, you’re a trained soldier who may be required to pick up arms and fight in combat.”

During his course, Hartnell said the camaraderie between section members had been a highlight for him and, as he was more experienced in some areas, he was often able to take a step back and help others.

“We’ve learned to rely on each other and help out when we need to so everyone is squared away. We’ve become a pretty tight-knit group, actually.”

Hartnell is now heading to the 3/6 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment based in Auckland.

For those interested in joining the Defence Force, he recommends talking to serving soldiers to find out more about the roles.

Each Reserve Force company has its own training programme in line with its battalion’s training focus. Training usually takes place once a week, plus one weekend a month.