CDF's Vision — The Defence Force Team

New Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson OBE, AFC, talks about his vision for the New Zealand Defence Force.

An ANZAC (biscuit) initiative:

On the evening of 19 March, a special ANZAC partnership was launched by Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark on board HMNZS Te Kaha berthed in Wellington, between Australian biscuit manufacturer Unibic Pty Ltd and RNZRSA.

More on medals

There has been much happening on the medal front over the last two months. With The Queen’s consent, a further new medal has been instituted, the New Zealand Special Service Medal (NZSSM), the first recipients of which will be New Zealand personnel who witnessed atmospheric nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1970s.

Poppy Day’s 80th anniversary

For the last 80 years New Zealanders have dug deep into their pockets on the Friday before ANZAC Day to make voluntary donations to Returned Services’ Association welfare funds. In exchange they receive a stylised poppy to wear as the manifestation of their respect for the memory of those who have fallen in war and their generosity towards those who returned and regrettably, are in need of support.

The Golden Jubilee Royal Tour

Colourful pageantry mixed with personal informality was the order of the day when Her Majesty The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh paid a visit to Burnham Camp during their short Jubilee tour of New Zealand in February.

Women’s Service Remembered

Over Easter weekend ex-members of the Women’s Royal New Zealand Naval Service (WRNZNS known as Wrens) held a national reunion in Auckland marking the Service’s diamond jubilee.
The Easter Service at the Naval Chapel of St Christopher, Devonport was followed by a Remembrance Service conducted by the Principal Chaplain, Navy Pauline Law and a wreath laying at the RNZN’s Memorial Wall.

A D-Day casualty

Robert Cameron of Corbridge, North England recounts a tragedy of war.

The story of his uncle George Winter (Jock) McIntosh and his journey from Glasgow to Reefton.