The Royal New Zealand Hair Force will no longer be a thing after commanders at the RNZAF denied aviators’ requests to grow out mullets.
Personnel had hoped to replicate last year’s mullet success after raising $4000 for the Mental Health Foundation’s Mullet Matters campaign.
Preparation for the party in the back campaign started earlier this year when one of the aviators set up a fundraising page and donated $40 of his own money to get it started.
“The Defence Force is more than just a job, we’re here to help Kiwis however we can.
“This year, aviators from Whenuapai are participating in Mullet March to raise money and awareness for mental health in New Zealand, a cause that affects all of us in one form or another. Every little bit helps, so get amongst!”
Unfortunately for the personnel, the request went to the higher-ups and came back denied.
It was understood that the request went up as high as possible with the office of the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, consulted along with the Air Force’s most senior airman, Warrant Officer Guy Lipsham.
Lipsham confirmed that a request was made but “after careful consideration” the request was denied.
“It isn’t uncommon to receive requests from Royal New Zealand Air Force [RNZAF] personnel to support particular charitable initiatives, and we are proud of our aviators who put in the Mahi to support others and raise awareness for issues important to them,” he said.
“We have set grooming standards within the Air Force for a reason – they play a key role in creating and maintaining a disciplined fighting force,” he added.
However, the defence force is also supportive of other charitable causes such as Movember, which does not challenge grooming standards.
Photo Credit: Newstalk ZB
