24 January, 2007
The Navy will continue its proud history of playing a major part in commemorative ceremonies at Waitangi during the 167th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Frigate HMNZS TE KAHA will anchor off Paihia from 2 – 6 February and will fire a 21 gun salute at midday on Waitangi Day.
2007 will also see the return of a Naval Guard as part of the formal ceremony. A Naval Guard last paraded at Waitangi celebrations in 1998. This year a 50-man Guard from HMNZS TE KAHA will parade at the Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremonies planned for Monday 5 February and Waitangi Day itself.
Performances by the Navy Kapa Haka Group and Navy Band are included as part of the Waitangi Festival, with the Navy Band performing three public concerts in Kerikeri, Russell and Paihia.
Key Navy personnel will be participating in official events over the period 3 - 6 February, with the Navy Band performing a lead in to the formal flag lowering ceremony - 'Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony' that will take place from 5:15 pm – 5:45 pm on 5th February and 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm on Waitangi Day to close the celebrations.
The theme for Waitangi Day 2007 is “Our Nation’s Turangawaewae”.
Naval Programme
Friday 2 February
pm HMNZS TE KAHA arrives and anchors off Paihia
Saturday 3 February
1000 – 1200 Powhiri at Te Tii Marae
Sunday 4 February
1030 - 1300 10 School children from local schools hosted onboard HMNZS TE KAHA (prizewinners)
1400 - 1530 Navy Band performance at The Centre, Kerikeri
Monday 5 February
1000 - 1100 Navy Band Concert - Russell
1400 - 1445 Navy Band Concert, Village Green, Paihia
1715 - 1745 Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset – reviewed by His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, The Honourable Anand Satyanand.
Tuesday 6 February
0500 Dawn Karakia at Whare Runanga Treaty Grounds
0900 Waka Karakia at Te Tii Beach
1000 - 1100 Church Service – Whare Waka
1130 - 1200 Navy Band performing at the Flagpole
1200 - TE KAHA fires 21 Gun Salute – Official Navy Party takes the salute from the Flagpole
1240 - 1300 Navy Kapa Haka Group entertainment at Whare Waka
1300 - 1320 Navy Band entertainment at Whare Waka
1420 - 1440 Navy Kapa Haka Group entertainment at Whare Waka
1440 - 1500 Navy Band entertainment at Whare Waka
1730 - 1800 Formal Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony at Flagpole – evening gun fired from HMNZS TE KAHA – reviewed by Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson
2000 HMNZS TE KAHA sails from Paihia
ENDS
For further information, including requests for interviews at Waitangi please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Manager, Ph: (09) 4455002 or Mob: 021-2440638
www.navy.mil.nz
www.waitangi.net.nz