2025 Tohu Awards

The Minister of Defence’s 2025 Tohu Awards recognise excellence from members of our Reserve Force, Cadet Force Officers and Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) graduates and celebrates the commitment from the organisations who support them.

Congratulations to our 2025 award winners and thank you to those who nominated organisations that show their support for our people and the role they play in the New Zealand Defence Force.

The Reservist of the Year is Lance Corporal Sophie Toohey, who has demonstrated her capability and dedication as a junior leader, her commitment, personal resilience, and excellent maintenance of core military skills and physical fitness. In 2023 she trained alongside an ADF Reserve Mounted Rifle Regiment and was a key member of the top NZ Army Reserve team winning the Harding Cup in 2024. She went on to earn a Commander's Commendation last year for her outstanding contribution supporting the Royal Gurkha Rifles’ training efforts where she worked alongside a Gurkha unit with distinct cultural traditions, adapting her instructional style, building relationships and learning basic level Ukranian and Nepalese to help break down cultural barriers.

The Reserve Employer of the Year (Large Employer Category) is Apollo Project Ltd, enables staff to dedicate significant time to military service. The organisation is flexible and supportive, providing reassurance of financial and job security during deployments and training. Apollo Project Ltd consistently acknowledges the strengths that NZDF personnel contribute to the organisation and utilises the transferrable skills of leadership, organisational and interpersonal skills developed on NZDF training.

The Reserve Employer of the Year (Small Employer Category) is Mayne Wetherell, who create a supportive environment for Reservists through its comprehensive policies. The firm’s leave policy includes an extra fifth week of leave, allowing reservists to attend training and fulfil military commitments without compromising their civilian roles. A mentoring program ensures regular check-ins, helping Reservists balance their dual responsibilities and demonstrating genuine concern for their well-being. Mayne Wetherell recognises the transferable skills that Reservists bring, such as discipline, commitment, and leadership, fostering a culture of mutual respect and learning.

The New Zealand Cadet Force Officer Employer of the Year is awarded to Giltrap Group, for its outstanding commitment to supporting its staff who serve in the New Zealand Cadet Forces. Giltrap Group demonstrate exceptional flexibility and understanding, fostering a culture of genuine encouragement and trust. The company recognises the leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills developed through Cadet Forces, providing flexibility for urgent cadet duties and actively acknowledging the contribution such service represents, through unwavering encouragement, trust, and recognition of the value of voluntary service.

The Limited Service Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Michael Reynolds. Graduating in September 2024, he has demonstrated his ability to engage in employment, continue his personal growth and be a role model. His determination to create a new path for himself, despite limited family support, has demonstrated the skills and confidence he gained from his time with the LSV programme. Michael has worked hard to take responsibility for himself and make good decisions for his future, striving to become a contributing member of society by caring for others, respecting rules and being able to manage difficult situations with maturity. He shines as an example of the personal growth that can be achieved when positive guidance and determination are combined with hard work and perseverance.

Miru McLean is recognised for an Outstanding Contribution to the Limited Service Volunteer Programme. For over 20 years, Miru has supported the programme, providing a powerful and enduring influence on many trainees and is the cornerstone of cultural leadership within the programme. His commitment has contributed to a training atmosphere that builds confidence and resilience, equipping trainees with a strong sense of identity and purpose; qualities that are transferable into their personal lives and communities after graduation. Miru’s presence, guidance and passion for cultural education have made him an integral part of the LSV team and a powerful influence on the programme’s success.

Employer Citycare has received the Employer Recognition to the Limited Service Volunteer Programme award. The team from Citycare demonstrate significant support through their time, actions and dedication to the LSV programme. Their dedication to not only providing employment and training opportunities to the trainees through their own organisation, but to also ensuring they advocate for the value the trainees offer throughout the industry, actively reinforces a narrative that hard work, reliability and commitment can result in employment opportunities that lead to successful careers.

Congratulations to all 2025 finalists and winners.