Ministry of Defence - Media Advisory
21 February 2007
Defence Minister Phil Goff will complete a parachute jump from a C-130 Hercules aircraft as part of a visit to the Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Whenuapai in Auckland this Friday, February 23.
Limited places are available for media to view the Minister's pre-jump training at the Parachute Training and Support Unit at Whenuapai and travel onboard the aircraft to view the jump over Hauraki Gulf.
The jump is being conducted in conjunction with parachute training for members of the New Zealand Defence Force.
In addition to covering the Minister's jump, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness New Zealand Defence Force personnel undergoing parachute ground training and making military parachute jumps.
Due to security and loading restrictions on the aircraft, media wishing to witness the jump from onboard the C-130 must register with Jeremy Seed, Phil Goff's Press Secretary, no later than 10am, Thursday 22 February. Prior to registration please note the conditions below.
Media must report to the Guard House at the main gate to Whenuapai Air Force base at 7:30am.
The C-130 will depart Whenuapai at approximately 9:30am and will be airborne for approximately two hours.
Warm clothes are recommended for the flight. Shorts and open or partially open footwear are not permitted onboard the C-130.
WHAT: Parachute jump by Defence Minister, Phil Goff.
WHEN: 7:30-11:30, Friday 23 February.
WHERE: Report to Guard House, Whenuapai Air Force base, Trigg Road Whenuapai at 7:30am.
NOTE – Media wishing to attend MUST register with Jeremy Seed (contact details below) no later than 10am, Thursday 22 February.
ENDS
Contact: Jeremy Seed (press secretary) 04 471 9794 or 021 278 7233
Jeremy.seed@parliament.govt.nz
All Phil Goff’s media releases and speeches are posted at www.beehive.govt.nz