From my time at Wakatipu High School, I learned that success is rarely achieved alone. The support of teachers, coaches, friends, and family plays an important role in helping individuals achieve their goals. The value of teamwork and community has stayed with me and is still an important part of my life. -Cliff Baker (class of 1995)

Lance Corporal Cliff Baker (class of 1996) began his military service as a Royal New Zealand Mechanical Engineer in 1996, which later became part of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment. 

What impact did your time at WHS have on your military career?

"Wakatipu High School provided the stepping stones that enabled me to begin my career journey. Without the foundation of skills WHS gave me I would never have been able to pursue the pathway that ultimately led to the career I have today.

The school's academic programmes, sporting opportunities, and extracurricular activities played a significant role in establishing the direction and shaping my career path and prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead. WHS helped me develop many of the core attributes that became essential throughout my military career and continue to serve me well in everyday life.

WHS instilled in me the importance of commitment, discipline, personal accountability, teamwork, and resilience. The opportunities I had during my time at WHS through the classroom, sport, leadership opportunities, or simply working alongside my peers, gave me the values of setting goals, achieving results, taking responsibility for my actions, and persevering when faced with challenges. These qualities are fundamental in the armed forces, where individuals are expected to perform under pressure, work effectively as part of a team, and maintain high standards at all times.

Looking back, I can clearly see how the experiences and values I gained at WHS laid the foundation for my success. The confidence, work ethic, and resilience developed during those formative years prepared me not only for military service but also for the many opportunities and challenges I have encountered throughout my life and career. WHS did more than provide an education; it gave me the tools, mindset, and character needed to succeed."

What made you decide to enlist?

"I recognised that the military offered an outstanding opportunity to gain a trade as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic within an environment that was focused on developing skills, achieving results, and providing young people with a wide range of future career opportunities. I never realised at the time how many opportunities, qualifications and skills I would achieve throughout my military career. It also offered a pathway to continue pursuing the skills I had started to learn during my time in the Outdoor Education programme at Wakatipu High School.

I viewed military service as an opportunity to test my own capabilities while contributing to something greater than myself. The prospect of serving my country, working as part of a highly motivated team, and making a meaningful contribution appealed to me from an early age. I was also attracted to the opportunities for personal development, leadership, travel, and the chance to gain valuable skills and experiences that would remain relevant throughout my life.

Most importantly, I was looking for a career that would continuously challenge me, push me beyond my comfort zone, and encourage me to grow both professionally and personally. The military provided exactly that, offering a unique combination of technical training, discipline, teamwork, and service that has shaped the person I am today."

What is a significant lesson you learned from your time in the armed forces? From your time at WHS?

"What I never realised on enlisting was the level of comradeship I would find, the bond you form through your time is enduring and lifelong. One of the most significant lessons I learned in the armed forces is that leadership is fundamentally about serving others. Effective leaders build trust, support their teams, and lead by example, especially during challenging situations.

From my time at Wakatipu High School, I learned that success is rarely achieved alone. The support of teachers, coaches, friends, and family plays an important role in helping individuals achieve their goals. The value of teamwork and community has stayed with me and is still an important part of my life."

Were there staff or fellow students who taught you important lessons about leadership or service? If so, please share.

"The teaching staff were what really created the passion in me to look for more, and to take every available opportunity. Teachers and fellow students who demonstrated strong leadership qualities taught me a lot. What stood out was not necessarily their titles or positions, but their willingness to help others, take responsibility, and lead through their actions. These examples showed me that leadership is earned through character, consistency, and service to others rather than authority alone."

What advice would you give to current WHS students?

"You get out what you put in!

Take advantage of every opportunity available to you, both inside and outside the classroom. Challenge yourself, be willing to learn from mistakes, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Build strong relationships, develop good habits, and remember that success is often the result of consistent effort over time. Most importantly, keep an open mind about where your future may take you."

How do you see WHS's values — Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Inclusion — reflected in your military service?

"These values align closely with the principles that underpin military service.

Excellence drives the pursuit of high standards in training, preparation, and operational performance.
Respect is fundamental when working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Responsibility is critical because decisions and actions can have significant consequences for others.
Resilience is essential when facing adversity, uncertainty, and high-pressure situations.
Inclusion strengthens teams by ensuring every individual feels valued, and able to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.

These values are not just important in the military, they are principles that help build strong communities and effective organisations."

What advice would you give to WHS alumni?

"Your time at WHS is so small, but it is so critical to creating the stepping stones for what comes in the future. What you achieve now is what gives you the options tomorrow."