NZ Defence Force Launches Anzac Competition

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
10 March 2010

NZ Defence Force Launches Anzac Competition

Students in Year 7 and 8 have the chance to win a day with the Navy, Army or Air Force as part of Operation Anzac Forces — a design competition launched by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) today.

The competition, which aims to raise awareness of Anzac Day, requires students to design a poster showing NZDF personnel working overseas.

“Currently we have 973 NZDF personnel serving overseas. Many of them are working alongside Australian Defence Force personnel, continuing the ANZAC spirit that was forged 95 years ago at Gallipoli,” said the Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae.

“On Anzac Day we honour the courage and commitment of those who fought for our country in the past. It is also a day to remember our Defence Force personnel who are currently serving overseas.”

In 2009 the NZDF received over 800 entries for their Anzac Day students’ competition.

“We hope that a similar number of students take up the challenge and enter this year’s competition. We guarantee the winners will have a unique and special day with the Defence Force,” LTGEN Mateparae said.

Operation Anzac Forces closes on Anzac Day (25 April) with the winners to be announced on 10 May. The competition will be judged by NZ Army artist Captain Matt Gauldie, who has recently returned from Timor Leste and is currently working on a new series of paintings that capture the Anzac spirit in a contemporary setting.

For further information about Operation Anzac Forces visit wwwnzdf.mil.nz
ENDS