New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
03 November 2006
Defence Force Contingent Bound for London
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have spent this week preparing for an historic deployment to the United
Kingdom.
Over 250 Army, Navy and Air Force personnel leave for London on Sunday 5 November, to take part in the dedication of the
New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park on Armistice Day.
It will be the largest group of NZDF personnel to deploy to the UK since the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.
Led by Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, the contingent will comprise of a Royal Guard,
Cataflaque Party, Maori Cultural Group and tri-Service Band.
“I am pleased the Defence Force is able to play such a vital role in what will surely be a very special occasion,” said
Lieutenant General Mateparae.
“It is a chance to celebrate our strong military links and commemorate our broader and enduring bonds with the United
Kingdom,” he said.
The contingent, including 32 veterans and Members of Parliament will leave RNZAF Base Ohakea on Sunday on board two Air
Force Boeing 757s.
Their journey can be followed on a diary, updated daily on the NZDF website
www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/what’s-new/default.htm
ENDS