5 Squadron has introduced a three-tier fee system. This was set up to address the parents' and cadets' various concerns and demands balancing costs and volunteer time commitments. Parents will select from ONE of the tiers below that they wish to/can commit to. Parents selecting Tiers 2 or 3 will be asked to indicate their volunteering commitments at the beginning of the year.  Fees will be adjusted during the year if parents cannot meet their tier's volunteering commitments.

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The fees include Uniform (3B and Current Working Dress), SQN Shirt, and SQN Hat. Unit support subsidy is available for special cases.

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Tier 1: Full Payment Model

(No Volunteering)

For parents who choose not to volunteer.

•          Basic 1 (First Year): $550 + $75 Basic Training Camp

•          Basic 2 (Second Year): $450

•          Proficiency (Third Year): $400

•          Advanced (Fourth Year): $350

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Tier 2: Basic Volunteer Model

(reduction of $150 on Full Payment Model)

For parents and cadets who attend at least two Marathons and one other fundraising event (e.g., movie nights, quiz night etc) during the year.

•          Basic 1 (First Year): $400 + $75 Basic Training Camp

•          Basic 2 (Second Year): $300

•          Proficiency (Third Year): $250

•          Advanced (Fourth Year): $200

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Tier 3: Active Volunteer Model

(reduction of $300 on Full Payment Model)

For parents who commit to regular volunteering (3–10 hours per month) which may or may not include marathons/fundraisers. (Limited to 25 cadet parents/guardians by selection).

•          Basic 1 (First Year): $250 + $75 Basic Training Camp

•          Basic 2 (Second Year: $150 

•          Proficiency (Third Year): $100

•          Advanced (Fourth Year): $50

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Why This Change?

The Squadron operates through a mix of fees, grants, and fundraising, with no direct funding from the New Zealand Defense Force. While fees cover only a portion of our costs, parental involvement through volunteering is crucial to maintaining operations. 

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We have recently grown to become the largest unit in New Zealand with around 140 registered cadets. But still with approximately 280 parents available, we have only a handful of people actively involved to help run our entire support unit. We need at least 25 adults to run a unit of our size effectively. Without this support, the Squadron faces significant challenges, including the very real risk of closure.