MEDIA RELEASE
15 March 2013
Disestablished Army Band Plays On For The Army This Sunday
The 7th Battalion Band Inc, created last year following the axing of the Army’s territorial bands, is playing this
Sunday at Government House in Wellington to mark the official amalgamation of the six Territorial Force Battalions into
three and the ceremonial formation of the Army Reserve. The Army Reserve replaces the former Territorial Force.
“The Band is proud to be playing in support of the Army Reserve,” says Letitia Isa, 7th Battalion Band Inc.
“We are playing this Sunday at 2pm in front of the Governor-General, His Excellency Lt-General Sir Jerry Mateparae. It
is a major honour for the Band to play in support of the Army Reserve’s ceremonial formation.
“Since being disestablished after ANZAC Day last year, we have played extensively in support of territorial units and
now the Army Reserve. As musicians we are committed to the army ethos and it is fair to say we play for honour and the
joy of supporting our forces.
“Our band is also entrusted with Army treasures that go well beyond music.
“Our drums, for instance, contain the battle honours of the 7th Wellington (City of Wellington’s Own) and Hawke’s Bay
Battalion. A significant battle honour to Wellingtonians is of course Chunuk Bair.
“While now civilianised, we continue to support our forces by filling in for the New Zealand Army Band - this Sunday
being one such example.
“We are looking forward to Sunday as we hope to cement a solid relationship with the Army Reserve,” Ms Isa concluded.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The 7th Battalion Band Inc is playing this Sunday, 17 March, at Government House Wellington between 2 and 2.30pm.
ENDS