Māwhera Services Academy

Greymouth High School established Māwhera Services Academy in 2002, a military-oriented course, with funding from the Tertiary Education Commission, New Zealand. There are now over 25 service academies throughout New Zealand.

The MSA is a military orientated programme with a strong emphasis on discipline, physical training, leadership skills and challenges. The MSA is designed for young people who have an interest in the following careers:

  • Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force)
  • Police
  • Security industry
  • Fire Service
  • Customs
  • Other related industries

MSA offers a full-time (37 week) programme and, being a division of Greymouth High School, the programme follows the same hours and term structure. The course runs 25 hours per week that is split into approximately:

  • 16 hours academics (Maths/English plus two subject choices)
  • 8 hours of services training and adventure-based learning activities

  • New Zealand Citizen
  • Should be a minimum of 16 or turning 16 during the year
  • Prepared to conform within a disciplined environment
  • Medically fit
  • Want to succeed and have fun!

  • NO FEES. Free uniform – yours to keep if you complete the course: tracksuit, polo shirt, cap, PT shirts, PT shorts.

  • MSA is based upon a military model 
  • Discipline is an important aspect of the course: students will be required to sign a Code of Conduct
  • ALL discipline matters are dealt with fairly and appropriately.

Other Academies can be found throughout New Zealand. We have strong alliances with all South Island Academies being: Aranui Services Academy, Christchurch; Logan Park Services Academy, Dunedin and Opihi Services Academy, Timaru.

Services Training Breakdown

Supported by NZ Army Youth Life Skills Cell and the Limited Service Volunteer Company at Burnham Army Camp, services training includes:

  • 2-week Induction Phase with the NZ Army in February
  • School holiday Leadership courses with the NZ Army
  • Military Drill
  • Discipline
  • Physical Training
  • Field Exercises
  • Live-in Camps
  • Confidence Building
  • Team Building
  • Public Parades, e.g. ANZAC Day
  • Client days with Tai Poutini Polytechnic: kayaking, white water rafting and rock climbing
  • Tramping: Lake Daniels, Queen Charlotte track, various West Coast tracks, etc.
  • Field Exercises
  • Gym sessions
  • Bush Craft
  • Survival Training
  • Camouflage and Concealment
  • Cycling
  • Orienteering
  • PaintBalling
  • Participation in Coast to Coast Event (against other Academies run by NZ Army)