11 May, 2007
The Royal New Zealand Air Force touch rugby team will begin a week long tour of the Gisborne and East Cape region on Monday, 14 May.
The 13-person mixed squad will play against combined high school teams from Ruatoria, Tolaga Bay and Gisborne during the tour, which will also include a series of careers expos to educate students on life in the Air Force.
RNZAF touch team captain Flight Lieutenant Blair Oldershaw said the tour was a fun way to spread the Air Force message and would give people an idea of what life in the Air Force was like.
“The East Coast has traditionally been a difficult region for the RNZAF to show a presence in. This tour will be a great way to engage high school students and give them an insight into the various jobs and trade training the Air Force can offer them.”
The touch team will begin their tour at Te Araroa at the top of the East Cape on Monday and will travel down the East Coast to Gisborne where they will finish on Friday.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338. Interviews and photo opportunities are available.
TOUR SCHEDULE:
Monday 14 May 07
All day – Gisborne/East Cape region recruit testing
Tuesday 15 May 07
0930 hrs Te Waha O Rerekohu Area School (Te Araroa) – recruiting presentation
1100 hrs Ngata Memorial College and TKKO Ngati Porou O Te Waiu School Presentation at Ngata Memorial College (Ruatoria) – recruiting presentation
1130-1200 hrs Air Force Team to play a mixed Ruatoria Schools team at Ngata Memorial Sports Ground
1400 hrs Tolaga Bay Area School – recruiting presentation
1430-1500 hrs Air Force Team to play a mixed Tolaga Bay team
Wednesday 16 May 07
0900-0930 hrs Waikohu College School - recruiting presentation
1100-1130 hrs Gisborne Girls High School - recruiting presentation.
1200-1230 hrs Gisborne Boys High School – recruiting presentation.
1305-1335 hrs Mixed team from Gisborne Boys/Gisborne Girls game against Air Force touch team at Gisborne Boys High School sports fields.
1400-1430 hrs Campion College - recruiting presentation
1430-1500 hrs Campion College mixed team game against Air Force touch team at sports field
Thursday 17 May 07
0830-1315 hrs Lytton High School - expo day
1630-1800 hrs Lytton High Expo - open to public
1315-1400 hrs Lytton High School mixed team game against Air Force touch team at school sports field
Friday 18 May 07
1200 hrs Wairoa College Visit - recruiting presentation