Bluff’s Thaeya Hoyle likes throwing herself into things and a flooded ship’s compartment or finding her way around a strange harbour hold no fears anymore.

The Southland Girls’ High School pupil was one of two Southland students that took part in the Royal New Zealand Navy's 'School to Seas' wāhine camp at Auckland’s Devonport Naval Base earlier this month.

Thirty two Year 12 and 13 school students from throughout the country got hands-on experience with machinery, robotics and electronics, planning and executing a real naval navigation exercise, using a bridge simulator and developing resilience and leadership skills with specialist workshops from women in leadership.

A highlight for Hoyle was the flood chamber at the Sea Safety Training Squadron’s Damage Control school. The students had to work to plug leaks in a simulated ship’s compartment as it filled up with water.

“That was a favourite. Also taking part in the navigation exercise was quite cool,” Hoyle said.

She turned 17 during the week-long camp and thought there wasn’t a more memorable way to spend her birthday.

Being away from home was challenging but everyone became close to each other, with students sharing bunk rooms aboard HMNZS Canterbury and having meals together.

“I would 100 percent recommend this, especially if someone is looking at going into the Defence Force. It’s more real, it’s a real eye-opener into what it’s really like.”

The School to Seas camp is about empowering young women with confidence and curiosity about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers in the marine industry. 

“When I was a kid doing Sea Scouts we got to tour the Navy ships. Ever since then I’ve thought the Navy is completely up my alley. I also really want to be an engineer and I study physics, engineering and maths, so the camp was just awesome for me,” Hoyle said.

Along with a passion for the Navy and STEM, Thaeya also volunteers in her local community. 

“I’m the youngest member of my local fire brigade and one of the only females. My dad is the deputy chief, so I really hope to continue on the family tradition. It’s another fun and cool way to be of service and give back to my community, just like the Navy does.”

School to Seas Project Lead, Lieutenant Commander Emily Kutarski, said the camp aimed to give female students a taste of life aboard Navy ships, as well as break down stereotypes and barriers that may prevent women from enlisting in the Navy. 

“The participants met with many of our young servicepeople, who not long ago were in their shoes, trying to decide what to do after school,” she said. 

New Zealand’s STEM workforce has less than 30 percent representation of women, so the camp aims to attract young women to sustain and grow participation, both in the Navy and the wider marine industry.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor, said it was pleasing the number of wāhine in the service - currently at 27.5 percent - was growing. 

“Even so, we recognise that we have to work hard to ensure women see an exciting career path with us. School to Seas certainly helps to show the range of career opportunities the Navy has to offer,” he said.

Two other Southland teenagers also attended the Royal New Zealand Air Force's 'School to Skies' wāhine camp which was held recently.