Auckland City Invites Navy, Army, And Air Force To Invade Central Auckland

Some 300 army, navy and air force personnel will march through central Auckland on Saturday 28 July with bayonets fixed, colours flying, drums beating and bands playing, as the three services take up the right to exercise their charters in conjunction with the Auckland City Council.

At the same time, up to 300 Returned Service Association members, with service histories stretching as far back as World War II, will join today's soldiers, sailors and air men and women in the parade. Members of the New Zealand Cadet Forces will also take part.

Auckland City mayor Chris Fletcher says, "The parade offers a chance for Auckland-based members of the New Zealand Defence Force to exercise their charters, which gives them the freedom of the City of Auckland. I'm delighted we are able to have all three services marching at the same time.

"The Parade will also provide a chance for the people of Auckland to remember and commemorate past military service. The large number of people at the ANZAC day service in the Domain this year indicates Aucklanders are very proud of their military history. They recognize the sacrifices that have been made not only for their country's freedom, but also for the peace and stability of many other countries throughout the world,” she says.

The parade, led by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, will begin from Customs Street at 1.00pm and march up Queen Street, halting outside the Town Hall. There, the mayor and representatives from the navy, army and air force will address parade members from a dais.

The parade will continue up Queen Street to Mayoral Drive, along to Greys Avenue. There, the marchers will turn around and head back down Queen Street for a formal march past. The parade will continue down Queen Street and be dismissed at the start point.

There will be a variety of displays and exhibitions in Aotea Square on the day of the parade. Navy personnel will demonstrate their abseiling skills, air force pilots will fly an Iroquois helicopter into the middle of the square, and the army will provide a number of displays, including an artillery gun and other weapons.

ENDS

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