Change at the Top –Commander Joint Support Group

The new Commander Joint Support Group is Colonel Anthony Blythen, who replaces COL Ben Pitt. The change of command was recognised and celebrated at a small function in Trentham recently where diners and guests included Mrs Erica Pitt, Mrs Deborah Blythen, the Land Component Commander Brigadier Matthew Weston, current and previous members of the Joint Support Group, and other key personnel from outside the Joint Support Group.

The dinner was marked with the introduction of command artefacts that provided both a physical and spiritual symbol of command. Aweawe, a patu made from heart rimu was carved locally and represents influence, and the holder of aweawe is influential.

In addition, Aweawe sits upon a timber base known as Pūtake o te Matapopore. Pūtake o te Matapopore is as one with the patu. It is constructed with four pou (pillars or posts) and a foundation.

The four pou are Ngāti Tūmatauenga – representing Army personnel, Te Taua Kaimahi – representing civilian staff, Te Tauaarangi – representing Air Force personnel and Te Taua Moana –representing Navy personnel, all within the Joint Support Group. These pou are of different sizes, but equally as important as the others, with a single focus. They are all connected by a single timber foundation, all made from middle rimu representing strength and unity. The backing is made from modern materials representing forward travel, and has the proverb: ‘Waiho i te toipoto, Kaua i te toiroa’ ‘Lets us be as one and not individuals’.