At Nelson Marina, the TS Talisman Navy Cadets’ Boat Shed is a base for far more than storing gear.

It is where young people come together to learn practical boating skills, build confidence, develop leadership and prepare for time on the water. For the cadets and volunteers who use it, having a secure, dry and reliable home base is essential.

TS Talisman is part of the Sea Cadet Corps of New Zealand, Nelson Branch, providing young people with training in navigation, seamanship, boating and leadership.

Protecting an important local base

When changes to marina management led to a significant increase in the cost of leasing the land beneath the Boat Shed, the unit faced an unexpected financial pressure.

Support from donors to Top of the South Community Foundation, including the Wares family, helped the TS Talisman Support Committee meet that increased cost without passing it on to cadets and their whānau.

Keeping participation affordable was particularly important to the committee at a time when household costs are already putting pressure on many families.

A place to learn, regroup and grow

The Boat Shed plays a practical role before, during and after training.

LTCMDR Tim Hoffman says having a permanent base means volunteers can focus their time and energy where it matters most.

“Having access to the boat shed building enables a safe, secure and dry area in which the cadets can parade, learn and build their water based experiences. My officer team can spend their valuable voluntary time with the cadets, developing, enabling and supporting their experiences, rather than putting that energy into sourcing and funding a building in which to undertake our learning and general activities, as well as store valuable equipment.”

Warrant Officer Cederman says every cadet has used the Boat Shed this year, whether preparing for Southern Regatta or taking part in weeknight training.

“Coming off the water and being able to clean up the equipment, dry off, stay warm and then debrief and discuss the session or activity is valuable for all the cadets learning and experiences. It's a great facility to come and have fun, learn and grow.”

A standout year for TS Talisman

That strong training environment has helped contribute to an impressive year for the unit.

In 2025, TS Talisman Navy Cadets received both the South Island Efficiency Award and the National Sea Cadet Unit Efficiency Trophy.

The awards recognise the commitment of the cadets and officers, and the strong culture of learning and teamwork they have built together.

Support from Top of the South Community Foundation donors has helped ensure the Boat Shed remains available as a secure home for that work.

For TS Talisman, it means more time spent developing young people, more opportunities to get out on the water, and one less barrier standing in the way.