“I hold on strongly to my heritage and know that I will always have a tie to India, but joining the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) gave me new ties all around the world,” Leading chef Zylen Thomas proudly asserted when asked about what he feels of being a Kiwi of Indian heritage, and working for the New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF).
Clearly, the feeling of pride in serving the nation and the satisfaction of being in a dream job was overwhelming in the first response that came out from Mr Thomas.
The story of Mr Thomas is the second in the series Kiwi Indians Reaching for the Stars, which is an effort, in association with New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF), to put the spotlight on those proud Kiwi-Indians who have been joining other Kiwis in defending and shaping our nation.
Leading Chef Zylen Thomas has been in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) for ten years, and has experienced many roles.
Now serving on HMNZS Te Mana, Mr Thomas is primarily a chef but is also the leader of the Junior Rates Mess, a team leader in the Damage Control Organisation, and part of the ship’s boarding party.
Mr Thomas has served on most ships in the RNZN, including the decommissioned HMNZS Manawanui where he ran the galley. He was also part of the team on HMNZS Otago that boarded 72 vessels in two months on fisheries patrols alongside other government organisations during Operation Calypso.
Born in Mumbai and raised in Bangalore, Mr Thomas moved to New Zealand when he was 15, and started a Kiwi-life.
After finishing school he was offered a scholarship to train as a chef at the Manukau Institute of Technology, and subsequently pursued his dream aspiration of joining the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
“I come from a military family as my grandfather and uncle were in the Indian Air Force,” Mr Thomas said.
Ever since joining the RNZN Mr Thomas has travelled all over the world – Asia, Pacific Islands, Antarctica, and even further afield.
Explaining the fascinating part of the job Mr Thomas said, “My favourite part of the job is giving people the satisfaction of a good meal.
“I also want to help young sailors, especially the ones that have come from difficult backgrounds, to show them that life has a silver lining,” Mr Thomas further added sharing his aspirations to move through the ranks and into more management positions.
Mr Thomas is actively involved in sport and has travelled to Australia as part of the NZDF teams for both football and cricket, even playing cricket against the Indian Defence Force team.
In fact, he has also captained both the RNZN cricket and football teams.
Mr Thomas believes that his Indian background has helped him adjust easily to the military lifestyle.
“My advice to people thinking of joining the Defence Forces is clear.
“Give it a go. Get out of your comfort zone. You will explore so much of the world.”
If you have questions or would like to find out more about a career in the Defence Force contact 08001FORCE, go to www.defencecareers.mil.nz or find on Facebook @NZDFDefenceCareers