Changing of the CO at 6 HAU

By CAPT Russell Skeet.

A significant event in the life of an Army Reserve unit is the change of Commanding Officer (CO).  In a Reserve unit, the CO and others in the chain of command, (as a part of many and diverse duties) are primarily responsible for the culture which operates within the Battalion Group and are a strong influence on sub-units, which are often located some distance away from Headquarters. Command personnel in the Reserve Forces are particularly diverse and reflect the composition of the geographic area from which the unit is drawn, and so, the change of command appointment is an important event. Personality is an aspect of command of volunteer forces which is critically important to the successful functioning of an Army Reserve unit. Consequently, some effort is attached to the stage managing of events such as handover parades, as it is a good opportunity for a new CO to make 'an impression' upon his new command.

Recently the 6 Hauraki Battalion Group changed it's CO, from Lieutenant Colonel Warren Banks to Lieutenant Colonel Julian Sewell. This handover was marked by a parade, including the award of medals to recipients and a formal dinner, both of which event occurred in Tauranga.

"Inclement weather caused the Commanding Officers Handover parade to relocate to the ‘wet weather contingency’ venue, the Hall at the Tauranga Boys College. Starting at approximately 2.40 p.m. 50 officers and men in two divisions were assembled.

The “ Colours”  were marched in. Upon the arrival of Tauranga MP, Simon Bridges, Minister of Defence, Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, the Director of Army Reserves, Brig Anthony Howie, ADC, ONZM, ED and Commander 2 Land Force Group, Col Howard Duffy, medals were presented by the Minister of Defence to 15 recipients.

At the conclusion of the presentations the Honorary Colonel, Colonel Chris McGuire, facilitated the handover of the unit “ Colours”  and the Unit Commanders Sword from LCOL Banks to LCOL Sewell.

Following this  the Padre, MAJ Ross Horton lead prayers, after which the Minister of Defence addressed the soldiers on parade 

The Minister commented on the strong sense of service shown by those on parade and how that service bonds together the various communities, in which we live and work, together. He also remarked that the medallic recognition presented today signals a excellent sense of commitment  and achievement for individuals and the unit. He further commented that many on parade today represented several generations of service and this tenure is a wonderful manifestation of Army values and ethos. Following these remarks the “ Colours”  were marched off and the parade dismissed. The gathering was then invited to afternoon tea at the Army Hall. "

Profile: Lieutenant Colonel Julian Sewell

Lieutenant Colonel Sewell joined the Regular Force of the NZ Army in January 1982, as an officer cadet, and was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps at the end of that year.

LTCOL Sewell held troop command appointments within Queen Alexandra's Squadron and 1st Squadron NZ Scottish, staff appointments within the Plans and Development Branch of Army General Staff; and training appointments at the Army Schools.  He was Aide-de-Camp to two Governors General, Chief Instructor at the School of Armour, Squadron Commander at Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles, Team Leader at the Australian Army Battle Simulation Group, General Staff Officer Grade 2 Doctrine, Army General Staff; and Director of the NZ Army Simulation Centre.

LTCOL Sewell saw operational service with the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor.  He transferred to the Territorial Force on completion of 20 years service and held the appointment of Officer Commanding, Training Evaluation Team, 2nd Land Force Group, prior to posting to 6th (Hauraki) Battalion Group.  He was the Officer Commanding Alpha Company before assuming command of the Battalion.

He was born in Rotorua and is of Te Arawa and Ngatï Porou descent.  He was educated at Hato Petera College, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington.  He is married to Maria and they have two young daughters.  The Sewell's live in Rotorua where LTCOL Sewell is employed as the Policing Development Manager for the Bay of Plenty Police.