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4 March 2010
GET THE TROOPS READY FOR ACTION Click here for a map and timetable of Military Weekend.
MOTAT’s popular annual Military Weekend is back for its 13th year! Round up the troops and head to MOTAT on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March for an action packed military experience.
With interactive activities, exciting re-enactments and live displays and rides, the whole family can experience what military life was like for New Zealanders who fought in the World Wars.
“It’s the closest you’ll get to being in the army without having to join up,” says Bridgette Johanson, Events Coordinator for MOTAT.
Amongst other re-enactment battles, the New Zealand Mounted Rifles will be taking to the field at Military Weekend. Be prepared to see a staunch parade of military uniforms, horses and the real preserved arms used by squadrons in WWI. Visitors will be stirred by the Mounted Rifles realistic portrayal of the actions of New Zealand heroes who were brave enough to leave home and fight for their country.
Sit back and take-in re-enactments of famous Vietnam War and WWII battles at 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday or march up to the frontline and watch weaponry test fire with real machine guns at 1pm. Be sure to get in early for a good spot, you don’t want to miss the thrill of seeing real army weapons being used right in front of your eyes.
Kids can scramble their way through the training obstacle course or get kitted up army-style with military camouflage face paint, while adults can sit back and enjoy entertainment and music provided by The Band of The Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and The Band of The Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland, all accompanied by the wartime dancing styles of jitterbug swing dancers.
Hear the stirring “last post” by a lone bugler at midday both days – as a tribute to NZ soldiers past and present.
“We love giving young people the opportunity to better understand and honour the sacrifice that New Zealand has made in wartime over the last century,” says Ms Johanson.
Entry to Military Weekend is free for war veterans with a reserved seated and shaded area available for veterans and RSA members.
MOTAT’s collection of wartime memorabilia will be on display as well as aircraft restored by MOTAT’s volunteer WWII veterans , and military vehicles dating back as early as WWI.
Dates MOTAT’s Military Weekend is open from 10am – 5pm (final entry at 4.30pm) on Saturday 20 March and 10am – 4pm on Sunday 21 March.
Click here for a map and timetable of Military Weekend.
Location MOTAT, Meola Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Costs You can also enjoy the rest of MOTAT, including a tram ride and entry to MOTAT’s ‘While You Were Away’ exhibition as part of your entry fee.
Public Information Number Phone: 0800 MOTAT NZ (0800 668 286)
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For
more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT
Infoline 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668286) |
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