It is with regret that we announce the passing of Lance Corporal Nicholas Kahotea, a soldier, father, friend and proud New Zealander. Nick passed away on May 8th, 2019 after sustaining injuries in a NZSOF training activity.
Nick joined the NZ Army on 25 January 2006 as a Royal New Zealand Engineer, with an initial posting to the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment as a specialist searcher in 2008. He successfully completed NZSAS selection and Cycle of Training and was badged as a NZSAS operator in December 2014. He saw operational service in Afghanistan, and was awarded NZOSM, NZDSM (RF), NZGSM and NATO ISAF (Afghanistan) medals.
Nick will be remembered as a professional soldier, but more so as a father and friend to many. He was an outstanding soldier and a top bloke. He was a consummate professional, who was known for his dedication and reliability – always upholding our core values in every endeavour.
I know that his family, friends and colleagues will be keenly feeling the loss and my thoughts are with them as we remember Nick.
Major General John Boswell, DSD
Chief of Army
Donations to NZSAS Trust can be made through our website: https://www.nzsastrust.org.nz/
or Givealittle: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/nzsastrust
