Media Release
9 March 2012
Armed And Ready for Military Weekend Action at MOTAT

Ever wondered what it might be like to be a soldier in war?

MOTAT is challenging you to step back in time on 17-18 March to come face to face with a turbulent part of history at its annual Military Weekend.
MOTAT Museum Director, Jeremy Hubbard says Military Weekend is a fantastic way for visitors to learn about what military life was like for New Zealanders who fought in some of the world’s most unforgettable wars.

“This year, MOTAT will come alive with special performances by the Royal New Zealand Air Force band as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. With performances throughout the weekend including stirring ‘last post’ calls at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday, the RNZAF band will play as a tribute to NZ soldiers past and present, honouring all those who have fought for our country. The traditional, marching ‘Pipes and Drums of the Signals’ band will also perform.”

Both of MOTAT’s sites will be filled with fun and interactive activities, thrilling re-enactments, live displays and military vehicle rides over the two days of Military Weekend.

Mr Hubbard says the re-enactments will be a poignant reminder of what brave men of war went through to protect their countries.

“There will be over 150 people taking part in re-enactments, including the famous Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam and Nissan Island amongst others, as well as an impressive Fire Power Demo to show how different firearms were used.”

Visitors can enjoy military style food inside a mess tent at MOTAT Military Weekend and experience ‘Wartime in New Zealand’ at the Great North Road site where home guards and red cross nurses will be in action.
MOTAT’s collection of wartime memorabilia will be on display as well as military aircraft restored by staff and volunteers (of which some are veterans of WWII), and military vehicles dating back as early as WWI.

MOTAT visitors can enjoy Military Weekend activities for free with their normal entry to MOTAT and veterans can attend the event free of charge.

So round up the troops and get to MOTAT for an action-packed weekend that will be hard to forget.

ENDS

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