Armoured Support For Cairns Walk

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Advisory
Wednesday 27 August 2008

Armoured Support For Cairns Walk

The New Zealand Army are sending in armoured support for Chris Cairns’ walk from Pukekohe to Rolleston to raise awareness of rail safety.

The Army are providing a Light Armoured Vehicle (NZLAV III), rations and accommodation as support for Cairns’ walk along the State Highway One Desert Road leg from Waihohonu Track to Waiouru.

The LAV will pick up Chris Cairns and walkers on the 28th of August from the Waihohonu Track entrance on State Highway One at 1445 and bring them into camp.

An Army Light Operational Vehicle (LOV) will then transport them back to the same point on Friday the 29th of August (0830 hrs) where two Army personnel will walk the leg with Chris and company into Waiouru township.

Commander of the NZ Army Land Training and Doctrine Group based at Waiouru, Colonel Roger McElwain says:
“The NZ Army is proud to get behind and support this great initiative to raise awareness of rail safety in New Zealand.”

The walk is also in memory of all those who have died on the rail network. Chris lost his sister Louise who was killed along with two other young women whilst they were passengers onboard a train hit by a cement truck which had failed to stop at a level crossing.

Who: Chris Cairns and NZ Army
What: Chris Cairns walk for rail safety with support from NZ LAVIII
Where: Desert Road leg (SH1): Waihohonu Track to Waiouru
When: 1445 Thursday 28th and 0830 Friday 29th August
ENDS

There are media opportunities on Thursday 28 August with Chris Cairns, walkers and NZ LAVIII. Please register interest with Bas Bolyn, Defence Public Relations on 021 478 574 no later than Thursday 28 August 10.00am.

For further information and imagery regarding the NZ Army’s support to Chris Cairns’ walk to raise awareness of rail safety please contact Bas Bolyn, Defence Public Relations on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.

ITINERARY: (approx times only)

28th August, 2008

Turangi – Waihohonu Track (32km)

Start: Turangi Shell Service Station (Cnr State Highway One & Pihanga Rds, Turangi)

Start Time: 0830hr – 0900hr.

Finish: Waihohonu Track (finish at the entrance to the walking track)

Finish Time: 1445hr – 1500hr. (Chris transported to Waiouru Military Camp by LAV)

29th August, 2008

Waihohonu Track – Waiouru (30km)

Start: Waihohonu Track (Chris transported by LOV)

Start Time: 0830hr – 0900hr

Finish: Shell Waiouru (State Highway One, Waiouru)

Finish Time: 1430hr – 1445hr
ends

© Scoop Media