Army Reserve Force soldiers march through Art Deco Napier parade

More than a hundred soldiers and officers from 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) marched through the streets of Napier during its Art Deco weekend, marking 69 years since the unit has held the Charter for the City of Napier.

25 February, 2026

Commanding Officer of 5/7 RNZIR, Lieutenant Colonel Shaun O’Connor, reiterated comments made by the mayor of Napier during the parade that the Charter Parade reinvigorated the unit’s relationship with the local community, particularly considering recent years.

“The community’s recognition of the value that we provide in a civil defence capacity such as Cyclone Gabrielle and other recent significant weather events was evident in their appreciation as we marched with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, music playing and Colours (unit flag) flying,” said Lieutenant Colonel O’Conner.

The parade cemented an historic and strong bond between 5/7 RNZIR and the community.

The original charter was granted to the Hawke’s Bay Regiment in 1957, which later amalgamated with7^th Battalion (Wellington (City of Wellington’s Own) and Hawke’s Bay) RNZIR, in 1964.

In 2012 the battalion amalgamated further to form 5/7 RNZIR which continues in that form today and serves the tradition of holding the charter.

A large red vehicle drives down a street flanked with members of the public dressed in art deco era clothing, the vehicle holds army staff smiling and waving at the crowds.

A parade of soldiers stand at attention, whilst one officer pins a badge to one of the soldiers adorned with green shirts and berets. Marquees can be pictured in the background filled with guests of the event.

A parade of army soldiers takes part on a grassed area in front of a long boulevard and art deco architecutre.

The rear of army personnel can be seen as they look on to the art deco stage. The Mayor speaks to the crowd from a black lecturn.

Mayor of Napier, Richard McGrath, inspected the parade and alongside Commander of the 1st (New Zealand) Brigade, Colonel Mike van Welie, presented medals and awards to members of the battalion.

5/7 RNZIR Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Murray Macaulay said “it was a fantastic experience for our young soldiers to parade in such large crowds, and to feel the appreciation from the community”.

Private Elijah Grieve has served with the Battalion for 12 months and said, “It was mean marching through the streets showing off our Colours, drill and dress. Everyone was clapping, encouraging, and a lot of people were saying thank you. Napier has been through a lot with Cyclone Gabrielle, and us helping out”.