12 August 2010
The 20th anniversary of the Mt Ruapehu tragedy where five soldiers and a naval rating lost their lives during blizzard conditions while on an Army adventure training exercise will be remembered at a formal ceremony tomorrow.
A commemorative service, commencing at 11 am, will be held at the Department Of Conservation Visitor Centre, Whakapapa. Colonel Hayward, who was the soldiers' commanding officer at the time, and family members will be speaking at the ceremony.
What: 20th Anniversary of Ruapehu disaster
Where: DOC Visitor Centre, Whakapapa
When: 11am
ENDS
All media wishing to attend please register their interest with Major Kristian Dunne, 021 478 574.
Families’ point of contact for the day is Garry Menhennet, 027 497 7787.
Notes
The six military personnel who lost their lives on the 13 August 1990 were:
Private Brett William Barker
Able Rating Jeffrey Royden Boult
Private Stuart Keith McAlpine
Private Mark James Madigan
Private Jason Ross Menhennet
Private David Edward Whawhai Stewart
Privates Brendon Bruchell, Sonny Turere and David Stewart were awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal for their actions 20 years ago. Private Stewart died during the incident and his medal was awarded posthumously.