Friday 15 October 2004
Unknown Warrior – Schedule of Events
On 6 November the remains of an unknown New Zealand soldier from the First World War will be returned into the care of
a New Zealand delegation at a Handover Ceremony in Longueval, France. On 11 November, Armistice Day, he will be laid to
rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the National War Memorial in Wellington. The Tomb is a focus of remembrance
of the sacrifice made by all New Zealand servicemen and women in overseas wars.
Media are invited to attend the Wellington-based ceremonies on 10 and 11 November. Media accreditation will be required
at all venues. Full details will be sent out to all media organisations next week. In the meantime, to assist with
planning, key dates and times are as follows:
Monday 1 November 2004 New Zealand delegation leaves for France.
Saturday 6 November 2004 Handover Ceremony at Longueval, France to mark the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
returning the Unknown Warrior into the care of the New Zealand delegation.
Wednesday 10 November 2004 10.00am Unknown Warrior arrives in New Zealand.
Welcome Ceremony at RNZAF Air Movements Terminal, Rongotai, Wellington 12.00noon Arrival Ceremony at
Parliament to mark the Unknown Warrior’s return. 2.00pm Unknown Warrior lies in state in the Legislative Council
Chamber, Parliament to enable New Zealanders to pay their respects.
Thursday 11 November 2004 10.30am Unknown Warrior leaves Parliament for Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. 11.00am
Memorial Service at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. 12.15pm Military Funeral Procession through central Wellington
from the Cathedral to the National War Memorial. 1.30pm Interment Ceremony with full Military Honours at the
National War Memorial.
Further background information and images are online at www.unknownwarrior.govt.nz. Images from the Handover Ceremony in
France will be online from Monday 8 November. Detailed media releases will be sent out in advance of each event and a
full media briefing is scheduled for Tuesday 9 November – details to follow.
ENDS