RNZAF Marks Anniversary with a Historical First

RNZAF Marks Anniversary with a Historical First

For the first time in history, five women paraded the Queen’s Colour at the RNZAF’s 78th anniversary service in Wellington yesterday.

Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mike Yardley says: “This was a first-time occurrence for our organisation – and it’s just one of the ways we’re consciously building and defining the RNZAF we want in 10 years time.
“To bring about a more inclusive workplace and to have the diversity we want, we sometimes need to challenge the old norms and traditions.

“Consciously choosing to have airwomen lead this aspect of this year’s RNZAF anniversary is one way we can recognise individual skill and leadership potential, while highlighting the organisation’s diversity goals and keeping these goals at the forefront of people’s minds.

“Right now, you see women represented across all roles within our Air Force. Our goal is to increase that representation and to be recognised as a leader in workforce diversity.

“It’s only fitting that we reflect on this goal – among others – as we look back and commemorate 78 years, while looking ahead and thinking about where to next.

Central to yesterday’s anniversary ceremony was the parade of the Queen’s Colour – a silk flag presented to the Air Force by Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to New Zealand in 1953.

Parading the Queen’s Colour only ever occurs on the most significant Air Force occasions and in honour of the Queen and the Royal Family.

The role of the all-women Queen’s Colour Party officially signals the importance the Air Force places on women in leadership.

The anniversary event was held at Wellington’s Old St Paul’s Cathedral to mark the official creation of the RNZAF 78 years ago on 1 April 1937.
ENDS

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