"The moment we arrived at the course location the mood changed from fun to serious," Mr Andrews said.
They formed up on the road, emptied their packs and were given their safety briefing for the week, then joined James Cook High School in 2 Platoon. The first task as a platoon was to set up their tents and establish the camp location, with minimal impact on the environment.
The remainder of the day was devoted to lessons that the students came to rely on - cooking, field first aid, camouflage, concealment, navigation and more.
Every subsequent day began at 6.30am, forming up on the road in the dark and whatever the weather. Laggards were given motivational activities to enhance their sense of urgency. Daily tramps, averaging around 10km, followed, under the guidance of NZDF staff.
Back at the camp there were lessons on water collection, traps and how to build a shelter.
'Night stalks' - setting out to reach a specified area under cover of darkness while NZDF staff with torches, hunted them - were also on the agenda.
The improvised shelters had to be strong, warm and waterproof, Mr Andrews said. The students spent their last night in them, without sleeping bags, pillows or fire, just the clothes on their backs.
"I am very proud of the Mana Toa students," he said.
"They were taken out of their comfort zones and placed in an environment they had been preparing for with no knowledge of how they would handle the week. To their credit, they all did well. It was not an easy course, and a lot was asked of them, but as a team they pulled through."
Those he wished to thank included the staff and students of James Cook High Services Academy, the NZDF staff, Petricevich Buses, and the students' parents, who had once again given him the opportunity to "take their kids away".
More, including photos, is on the Kaitaia College Services Academy, Te Puna Mana Toa, Facebook page.
