Publicity Release
Tuesday October 31 2006
Veteran Military Pageant Only on Maori Television!
Music and the military join forces for a spectacular one-night only event – YEAR OF THE VETERAN MILITARY PAGEANT –
screening exclusively on Maori Television this Friday November 3 at 8.00 PM.
Featuring a cast of more than 800, the pageant at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium is the premier event marking the Year of
the Veteran and the 90th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA).
The broadcast from 8.00 PM to 10.30 PM will feature tributes to the service and sacrifice of veterans from the Boer War
to the present day.
Directed by Brian Inns – who masterminded the highly successful Taranaki Searchlight Tattoo in New Plymouth – the
pageant will include a salute to the RNZRSA, military bands, massed pipes and drums, a simulated battle, the 1812
Overture, plus vocalists such as Maori diva Hinewehi Mohi with choir and award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Terry
Kelly.
The Army Band, Central Band of the RNZAF, RNZN Band and a Tri-Service Band will perform along with the Auckland Police
Highland Pipe Band and there will be displays by the New Zealand Police dogs unit and their handlers and the Lochiel
Drill Team.
A fireworks finale will round off the two-and-a-half hours of entertainment.
Maori Television producer Erina Tamepo says the event will also mark the start of the Ride of the Veterans – a charity
motorcycle trip around New Zealand by two Vietnam veterans, New Zealander Alastair MacKenzie and US multi-world record
holder Dave Barr who is a double amputee.
The duo will begin a month-long ride around the country carrying a letter thanking local communities and the many unsung
heroes and heroines for their efforts on behalf of veterans and for their support throughout the Year of the Veteran.
Enjoy a night of military pride and music with the YEAR OF THE VETERAN MILITARY PAGEANT screening exclusively on Maori
Television this Friday November 3 at 8.00 PM.
ENDS
Viewers can call the helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628 2868) for advice on how to tune into Maori Television.