14 March 2007
His Royal Highness The Duke of York will visit members of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR) based at Trentham Military Camp on Friday 16 March as part of his visit to New Zealand this week.
On arrival at the camp the Duke will receive a powhiri from the New Zealand Defence Force’s Maori Cultural Group followed by a 21-gun salute. He will then receive a 100-man Royal Guard of Honour where the Prince Andrew Banner will be paraded. He will then meet with RNZALR officers and soldiers and receive a briefing on significant activities and initiatives occurring within the regiment.
The Duke is Colonel-in-Chief of the RNZALR and the regiment is known as “The Duke of York’s Own”.
After attending a luncheon with invited guests the Duke will present awards at the graduation of students from the 1/2007 RNZALR Logistics Basic Course. He will then meet RNZALR personnel and their families.
The Duke will be accompanied by the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, the Chief of Army, Major General Lou Gardiner, Colonel Commandant RNZALR Brigadier (retired) Graeme Talbot, and RNZALR Regimental Colonel Peter Cunninghame.
Colonel Peter Cunninghame, the Army’s Chief of Logistics, said The Duke of York is very committed to his Regiment and his role as Colonel-in-Chief.
“The Duke takes a very genuine interest in what the regiment is doing both on operations and in New Zealand. He is an inspiration to our personnel at all levels.”
The Duke last visited New Zealand in 2005 when he met with RNZALR personnel in Linton, Trentham and Nelson.
ENDS
Media are invited to attend the welcome ceremony for The Duke of York at Trentham Military Camp from 11.15am to 12.15pm on Friday 16 March. Media wishing to attend are required to register with Ally Clelland on (04) 496 0273 or 021 569 130 before 3pm Thursday 15 March. Appropriate photo ID must be on display at all times while on Defence property.
For further information please contact Ally Clelland, Public Relations Manager (Events), 04 496 0273 or 021 569 130.