WO2 (Rtd) Peter Niall

52 years working in the Army

The Chief of Army, Major General Tim Keating recognised almost 53 years of service to the NZ Army with a presentation to Warrant Officer Class II (Rtd) Peter Niall during his visit to Linton Camp on 23 March 2011.

Maj Gen Tim Keating presents Peter Niall with a certificate of recognition for 52 years service (AW-11-0405-1).

Retiring from the NZ Army after 30 years military service as a soldier seems like a fairly significant achievement in itself. To then go on and complete a further 22 years service as a civilian in the NZ Army is remarkable.

In a career stretching back to 1955, Pete Niall has completed more service in the NZ Army than the average age of the current NZ Army soldier and Officer!

Always wanting to be a Physical Training Instructor, but lacking the qualifications to get a university qualification, Peter enlisted into the NZ Army as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI). Joining as a Regular Force Cadet, he spent his first year of service completing his Basic All Arms and Physical and Recreational Training Instructor courses as well as a number if infantry courses.

During Pete's military career, he became renowned for his representation and involvement in Army, Combined Services and Provincial level sports. Indeed his sporting prowess extended across a wide variety of sports including rugby, softball, swimming, water polo, athletics and basketball. Pete was also well respected for his interest and dedication to the development of sports in the local community and service club organisations
Pete was also well known for assisting military personnel who routinely struggled to meet the minimum fitness levels. "I was strict and hard. A couple of lads used to say 'not him again' but although it was hard it was enjoyable".

Pete's last position in uniform, before he retired in 1985, was as a Company Sergeant Major with the first Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) intake in Linton.

After a two year break he came back to Linton as a civilian storeman within 2nd Logistic Battalion. Pete has maintained the high standards he displayed as a Warrant Officer and his colleagues warm-heartedly complain 'you can't put a foot wrong as he's on your back'.
Pete says he has been thinking about retiring for some years. One colleague recalls when joining the organisation in 2001 that Pete commented he was 'retiring soon' and his job would therefore 'be available to progress to in the near future'. Some nine years later that individual is glad they didn't wait!

Pete took his release - for the second time - with effect 14 January 2011. After nearly 53 years working for the NZ Army, Pete has certainly earned the respect of many for his loyal and dedicated service. Pete has no immediate plans other than to rest and recover from a recent health issue. Pete has two grown sons and hopes to spend more time with family as he ponders his plans for the next 20 years.