In a formal promotion ceremony at the Port Chalmers Town Hall last night, Paul White (35), unit commander of TS Nimrod, received his new rank. Lt-cmdr White, who has served the cadet forces since he was commissioned in 1998, was promoted to sub-lieutenant in 2001 and then to lieutenant in 2005.
Sub-lieutenant Elise Allen, reading his promotion citation, said Lieutenant White had been a ''reliable and devoted cadet forces officer'' over the years.
He staffed numerous sea cadet sailing courses and provided valuable support to the youth of Port Chalmers by helping to deliver the sea cadet experience to the young people who passed through his cadet unit.
Lt-cmdr White, a labourer, said learning to sail and teaching children sailing skills was the attraction of the cadet forces for him.
There had been a lot of organisational change in the forces during his time and it now taught New Zealand Qualification Authority and Yachting New Zealand courses, which was a ''real drawcard'', he said.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said Lt-cmdr White's achievement was not just within the forces but in the community as well.
His dedication had also been recognised with the Cadet Forces Medal in 2007.
