Media Advisory

26 April 2012

Air Force Takes to Streets of Auckland for 75th Anniversary

Swords will be drawn, bayonets fixed and ceremonial flags flown high through the streets of Auckland this Saturday when the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) parades through Auckland to celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

The military parade of more than 200 men and women from the RNZAF, will march from Greys Avenue along Mayoral Drive onto Queen Street, and halt outside the Town Hall where the Mayor of Auckland will present a new Auckland Charter to the RNZAF.

The custom of granting freedom of a city through a Charter dates back to the middle ages when kings used to divide their kingdoms between a few nobles who were responsible for providing armed men, should the need arise. The elements of the Charter refer to the right to march through the street with drums beating, colours unfurled, swords drawn and bayonets fixed. In modern times the granting of the freedom of a city is a way for a civic authority to express a close relationship with a military Service.

His Worship the Mayor, Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland City will review the parade, along with the Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell. RNZAF Aircraft will perform a flypast at 9:45am (weather permitting).

After the ceremony the parade will march down Queen Street to Wellesley Street before returning up Queen Street, rendering a military salute to the Mayor and assembled guests in front of the Town Hall.

Media are invited to attend the parade.

What: RNZAF Parade to mark the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75th Anniversary

Where: Auckland – Departing Greys Avenue to Queen Street, via Mayoral Drive arriving at the Town Hall at 9:15am.

When: Saturday 28 April 2012

ENDS