Bay of Plenty-Raised Army Engineer Helps Renovate Indonesian Medical Facility

A New Zealand Army engineer with strong roots in the Bay of Plenty has helped renovate a medical facility in Indonesia as part of a multinational humanitarian and disaster relief exercise.

Lieutenant Teagan Andrews-Paul, of 2nd Engineer Regiment, led a troop of combat engineers during Exercise Trident Resolve in Banten, Indonesia, recently, gaining valuable overseas experience in humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR).

The exercise brought together about 2,200 personnel from 19 militaries and civilian agencies to strengthen cooperation and prepare for natural disasters. Its focus areas included cyber-security, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and military medicine.

As part of the training, 13 New Zealand Army engineers managed a work site and helped renovate a medical facility.

The exercise concluded with the handover of the completed facility to the Indonesian National Armed Forces, known as the Tentara Nasional Indonesia.

For Lieutenant Andrews-Paul, the opportunity to work alongside the local community was a highlight.

“Working with the local community has been my highlight of the exercise,” she said.

“We had a school very close to our work site and the children would come down every day to watch and hang out with us.”

New Zealand Defence Force personnel hand over a renovated medical clinic following a multinational effort during Exercise Trident Resolve in Banten, Indonesia. IMAGE // Australian Defence Force

Born in Canada, Lieutenant Andrews-Paul grew up in Masterton and Ōhope in the Bay of Plenty.

She attended Wairarapa College and Trident High School before enlisting in the New Zealand Army in 2021.

Military service was familiar to her from an early age, with both her parents having served in the New Zealand Army.

Her mother was a transport officer, while her father was a chef and professional athlete.

A childhood spent outdoors helped shape her interest in a career that would test her both mentally and physically.

“Anything involving mental and physical perseverance has always been a huge draw for me, and that is why the Army felt like the right choice,” she said.

“The Army offers some great opportunities while also continuously providing new challenges.

“Just when I think I understand my job, there is always something new I get to learn about.”

The opportunity to help communities affected by crises was another key reason Lieutenant Andrews-Paul chose the Corps of Engineers.

“I was very interested in being able to provide HADR support to countries during times of crisis, and that is why I wanted to join the Corps of Engineers. It’s a big part of our role,” she said.

Exercise Trident Resolve provided her with her first real opportunity to work in a humanitarian aid and disaster relief capacity overseas.

“It was very rewarding,” she said.

The renovation project also gave New Zealand personnel the chance to work alongside military members from Australia, Indonesia and the United States, demonstrating the value of international cooperation in preparing for emergencies.

Australian, Indonesian, New Zealand and United States military personnel work together to renovate a medical clinic during Exercise Trident Resolve in Banten, Indonesia. IMAGE // Australian Defence Force

Lieutenant Andrews-Paul encouraged anyone considering a career with the New Zealand Defence Force to prepare themselves for the physical and mental demands of military life.

“The work and training is rewarding, but it can be hard – it’s designed to push you,” she said.

“If you want to be challenged, learn new skills and have experiences you cannot get in any other job, the military could be the right pathway for you.”

Her experience in Indonesia highlights how military engineering can extend beyond traditional defence tasks, providing practical support to communities and helping strengthen disaster-response capabilities across the region.