Tunnellers Anniversary 11th November 2023 10.30am start.  location; Gilmour Park, George Street, Waihi Parade for Soldiers, Sappers, visitors.  

Tunnelling Company Annversary Day to be held at Gilmour Park Waihi. This will be followed by meal or snack afterwards programme to follow Issue date: Friday, 12 February 2016 Resource type: Speech Speaker: Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO Additional details       E kui mā, e koro mā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Kia ora tātou katoa.  Ladies and gentlemen I extend warm greetings to you all. I specifically acknowledge: Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel; His Worship John Tregidga, Mayor of Hauraki District; and Kit Wilson, of Waihi Heritage Vision; tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for inviting me here today.    I very much regret that I was unable to attend the ceremony and events of 22 January. It will have been a great occasion - for Waihi.  It will have been a proud day for the descendants of the men who served in the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company and for descendants of the Māori and Cook Island soldiers who joined them in their work on the Western Front. I am delighted that I could come and see this magnificent memorial for myself.  The story of the Tunnelling Company’s men is compelling, and deserves to be remembered and told. In New Zealand, when we think of the First World War, we tend to focus on Gallipoli and what happened there.  During this five-year period of commemoration of and reflection on the Great War we are being reminded of the contributions, achievements and sacrifice of our men and women on the Western Front. So I was delighted when I heard that the men of this unique unit from the Western Front were to be recognised in this memorial.  By all accounts the tunnellers were tough men.  They needed to be for the arduous and dangerous work they did, particularly the mining and counter-mining activities under enemy lines. We are fortunate that their work has miraculously survived and is being preserved for all to see in the Carriere Wellington Museum in Arras.  I understand it is a huge and sophisticated complex.  It must have been a godsend for the troops who massed there in preparation for an offensive. The Museum in Arras will be a permanent reminder of our tunnellers’ work and of the connections we forged in times of war.  With this memorial at Waihi, we are acknowledging the home of many of the men who made that connection for us.  It’s pleasing to know that the people of Arras have shown their appreciation by becoming involved at various stages in this project. It’s a great addition to the Arras underpass under the National War Memorial Park in Wellington and other memorials in France.  Waihi is honouring its own today – and will continue to be inspired by the skill and fortitude of its miners who have worked here and further afield. As the whakatauki or proverb says “Tōku toa, he toa rangatira” – My bravery is inherited from the chiefs who were my forebears. This memorial shows a determination to ensure that the effort of our tunnellers is not forgotten, and preserves their memory for posterity. I thank the people in this community who have worked hard to make the memorial a reality. Kia ora huihui tātou katoa

Learn how the City Rail Link, CRL, will deliver a modern rail service that transforms how Aucklanders and visitors will travel around the city. Explore the engineering and architectural progress of the Auckland City Rail Link project. Undertake a guided tour of the construction site at Maungawhau Station. Visit the Link Alliance Information and Training Centre. Observe how the current Western Line Mount Eden station forks into the new co-located underground station and tunnelled through-line towards Waitemata Station (Britomart) via Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu (near Aotea Square and below Albert Street). Discuss the engineering, budget and capacity planning challenges that were overcome throughout the project. Tour guide A project engineer from the Link Alliance City Rail Link All welcome This event is held in association with Auckland Sappers Day 2023, held from 10 am nearby at Kahui St David's, The Soldiers Memorial Church, 70 Khyber Pass Road. Bookings essential For safety management and planning purposes, please register your intention to attend. Some parts of the route are steep. We advise sturdy, non-slip shoes.

FIFTH ANNOUNCEMENT Join the New Zealand Sapper’s Association, New Zealand Defence Force members, and the wider services community for this historic event.  Learn about the Royal New Zealand Engineers. Enjoy the music presented by the Off Broadway Big Band. Witness the first lighting of the Lamp of Remembrance in the recently restored Sappers’ Memorial Chapel. Everyone welcome. A multi-faith service of remembrance. Come to support the Sappers and those who serve Aotearoa New Zealand at home and overseas. Bookings essential For safety management and planning purposes, please register your intention to attend. Get Tickets Background The aim of Sappers Day 2023 is to celebrate the current, historical and future contributions of combat engineering and the Sapper Spirit to the peacekeeping, defence, emergency response, technological innovation and development of Aotearoa New Zealand through Recognising the contributions of RNZE Sappers past and current Raising knowledge of the combat engineers' values, symbols, materials, tools, methods and artefacts Celebrating the restoration and adornment of the Sappers’ Memorial Chapel at St David’s, The Soldiers’ Memorial Church Raising esprit de corps through engaging current, reserve and prospective sappers, and allied services in the activities of the Sappers Association (New Zealand) Inc, the Royal NZ Engineers (RNZE) and Defence Force, Civilian Services, and the Friends of Kāhui St David’s. In partnership New Zealand Army and Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū. The Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), together with Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rang Pūpū invite you to join them for Lighting the Lamp of Remembrance. From 15 October onward, the lamp will be illuminated 365 days of the year to remember and honour all New Zealand services personnel. The event marks the 96th year of the Sappers’ Parade, a military parade into St David’s, the World War I Soldiers’ Memorial Church.  The event will include an all-faith remembrance service, an opening address by the Colonel Commandant RNZE, the foundational lighting of the Lamp of Remembrance. Abundant music, both solemn and lively, will underpin this all-ages musical remembrance event.   Please join active, veteran and civilian servicemen and women to witness and celebrate this very special occasion together,  remembering those who served. Located within the Great Hall of St David’s, in the newly restored Sappers’ Chapel, the Lamp lets all returned service men and women know that we remember them, and that this sanctuary in central Auckland is here for them. For peace, music, or company. The event will also celebrate the unveiling of tukutuku artwork panels to adorn the sanctuary of St David's. Sappers Everywhere The motto of the Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), also known as Sappers, is UBIQUE, which means 'E nga wahi Katoa' or 'everywhere'.  On the battlefront, Sappers are 'first in, and last out'.  They perform a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, and road, tunnel and airfield construction and repair.  The first unit of New Zealand Engineers to be raised was the Canterbury Volunteer Engineer Company, formed in 1865. Permanent New Zealand Defence Force Engineers evolved from the Torpedo and Engineer Corps. On 15th October 1902, No 2 Service Company, New Zealand Permanent Militia was granted the dignity and name of Royal New Zealand Engineers, which with Royal Assent, was changed to the Corps of Royal NZ Engineers, RNZE on 3 September 1903. A gift from the past to the future – St David’s Memorial Church building St David’s foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day 1927 and dedicated as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church. It has been home to the Royal New Zealand Engineers (Sappers) ever since. Once the 'Cathedral of the Presbyterian Church', St David’s is now owned by Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū, a charitable trust. The name translates as 'gathering place of the heavenly trumpets'. The building’s purchase has been made possible thanks to the support of New Zealanders nationwide, to ensure that St David’s would continue as a living memorial to soldiers and servicemen and women of all services. The building is now home to Kāhui St David’s, a centre for music, community and remembrance. ‘We Will Remember Them’ Further Information and Event Director Peter Mellalieu, Chair Northern | Sappers Association (New Zealand) Inc | +6421420118 |  chr.nth.sprnz@mail.tidyhq.com Associated with this event see also Sappers Day Walking Tour of the City Rail Link details and booking visit http://thq.fyi/se/3yffixA     About St David’s, the Soldiers Memorial Church St David’s foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day 1927. The building is a memorial of national significance. Funded on the understanding that it would be a war memorial for all time, St David’s would ‘keep green the faith and courage and sacrifice’ of those who gave their lives in World War I. The Sappers’ Memorial Chapel was later incorporated into St David’s. As a church, its ministers traditionally served in the Army, such as Reverend Lt Colonel Angus Fionn MacDonald, OBE (1871 - 1934). Sapper Cyril Royston Guyton Bassett, VC, JP (1892 – 1983) was the first and only New Zealander to be awarded the Victoria Cross in the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War. Sapper Bassett, later Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of Signals, was married at St David's. Many artefacts commemorate the early office bearers of the Royal New Zealand Engineers, the 29th and 30th New Zealand Infantry Battalions, and members of the congregation who lost their lives in both World Wars.  In 2014, an initiative to rescue the building from demolition led to the re-creation of Kāhui St David’s, a centre for music and community. Kāhui St David’s is now a place of connection, opportunity and inspiration for the diverse people of Aotearoa New Zealand and visitors from across the globe. Further information, visit http://thq.fyi/se/KvFB24o Associated with this event see also Sappers Day Walking Tour of the City Rail Link details and booking visit http://thq.fyi/se/3yffixA Bookings essential. For safety management and planning purposes, please register your intention to attend. Get Tickets Alternative booking site at Eventfinda

Dawn Service 630, we meet at 615 am by Queen Victoria's Statue before march-on. Afterwards we meet at Joe's Garage (19 Frederick Street, Dunedin North) for breakfast where we plan further activities and have a relaxed catchup. All Otago & Southland Sappers, friends and families are most welcome.

'Once a Sapper, always a Sapper'. Organised by Manawatu Sappers Group with Royal New Zealand Engineers Charitable Trust (RNZE CT). The first unit of New Zealand Engineers to be raised was the Canterbury Volunteer Engineer Company, formed in 1865. Permanent Force NZ Engineers evolved from the Torpedo and Engineer Corps. On 15 October 1902 No 2 Service Company, New Zealand Permanent Militia was granted the dignity and name of Royal New Zealand Engineers, which with Royal Assent, was changed to the Corps of Royal NZ Engineers on 3 September 1903. 'Sapper’s Day' is celebrated each year on 15 October with parades, sports, and other entertainment. During the Dawn Service, the parade will proceed regardless of the weather. Anyone who serves or has served in the Corps is welcome to attend any Sapper’s Day function. The Palmerston North Service is open to everyone.   Breakfast for Retired Sappers Local retired Sappers are invited to join the serving Sappers at Linton Camp for breakfast following the Dawn services in Palmerston North and at Camp. Further details: Email: ecmc@inspire.net.nz   Other services Linton Camp Dawn Service, Parade, and Breakfast Held concurrently at Linton Camp, 2023-10-15 05:50 h – 06:45 h We remind anybody who wants to gain access to Linton Camp that they must carry a photo ID and present at the gate for security purposes. Breakfast from 06:45 h – 07:45 h.   Sappers Day 2023 - Auckland Region Parade and Service for Everyone 2023-10-15 10:00 h for 10:30 h start St David's, The Soldiers Memorial Church, Grafton, Auckland Details and booking at http://thq.fyi/se/KvFB24o   Image credits: Michal Klajban, Geoff McKay, anon, RNZE CT, Michal Klajban, Peter Mellalieu, 

1800 hours: Drinks in main bar by the dance floor. Members can print off a free ticket to be redeemed at the bar for either a pint of beer, a glass of wine, a spirit double shot or soft drink. This shout includes spouses or partners if included in the reply by indicating numbers attending. Go to 'Event Details' & 'Get Tickets'. This offer finishes 28 August. Don't forget to log out afterwards. Print the tickets. 1900 hours: Pay for own meal in the restaurant for those who want it. Use Number 5 local bus to RSA and Uber home to avoid drink driving. 5 people attending as at 30 Aug. Login to see their names Menu / Northern Branch / Bay of Plenty / paragraph 20(a) [no names here on this puplic event for privacy & security reasons].

Good afternoon The Sapper’s Association (NZ),   The chairperson of the Sappers Ball, 2Lt Howatson has asked me to reach out to the Sapper’s Association.    Aim:  To cordially invite ex-serving Sappers to the Sappers Ball on the 1 Jul 23.   Kind regards WO1 Tom Kerekere Regimental Sergeant Major - 2ER, 2nd Engineer Regiment, RNZE Ngāti Tūmatauenga | New Zealand Army   HOW TO PURCHASE A TICKET Complete these details and send to... ecmc@inspire.net.nz & Baileigh.Howatson@nzdf.mil.nz Please advise if you have dietary requirements REGIMENTAL NUMBER: UNIT: NAME: NUMBER OF TICKETS: PAYMENT DETAILS Account number- 38-9011-0792649-00 Reference- SPRs' Ball Particulars- initials and surname

1800 hours meet in main room. Those members that reply to this Event that they are attending will be sent a free ticket to be redeemed at the bar for either a pint of beer, a glass of wine or a spirit shot shout. This shout includes spouses or partners if included in the reply by indicating numbers attending. Go to 'Event Details' & 'Get Tickets'. Don't forget to log out afterwards. Print the tickets. 1900 hours go through to the restaurant for dinner Those that want more notice of Events can login and view Menu / Northern Branch / Bay of Plenty page. For instance this Event date has been displayed on the BOP page for few weeks now. Waikato members can login & check their profile 'Visit BOP' [way down the bottom] to view BOP page [wait a few days for the system to refresh]. Post Note 7 people attended. Login to see their names Menu / Northern Branch / Bay of Plenty / paragraph 30(a) [no names here on this puplic event for privacy & security reasons].

1800 hours meet in main room. Those members that reply to this Event that they are attending will be sent a free ticket to be redeemed at the bar for either a pint of beer, a glass of wine or a spirit shot shout. This shout includes spouses or partners if included in the reply by indicating numbers attending. Go to 'Get Tickets'. 1900 hours go through to the restaurant for dinner. Good idea to Number 5 bus in and Uber home to avoid drink driving. Those that want more notice of Events can login and view Northern Branch / Bay of Plenty page. For instance this Event date has been displayed on the BOP page for over a year now. Post Note On 29 December: three people are attended. Login to see their names Menu / Northern Branch / Bay of Plenty / paragraph 21(a) [no names here on this puplic event for privacy reasons].

After the Church Parade [now cancelled], ending the National Reunion. 1200 hours meet in main room. Those that reply to this Event that they are attending will be sent a free ticket to be redeemed at the bar for either (i) Pint of beer, or (ii) Glass of wine, or (iii) Spirit shot shout. Closes off 1300 hours. This shout includes spouses or partners if included in the reply by indicating numbers attending. Go to 'Event Details' & 'Get Tickets'. When the email with tickets arrives, print them off. This after Reunion Decade Do idea was originally sent to Era 1965-69 members by email 16 Aug & Facebook 18 Aug. The background to this idea was published in page Era 1965-69 at the same time [only this Era can view that page]. If your era is outside the above Era, login and look at your Era page. If it says that a Era Moderator is needed, then this is your cue to put your hand up to do that job. As at 13 Oct five people have activated 'Get Tickets' . Names attending are listed on the Decade 1960-69 Do page [some people don't like their names being shown on a public domain, so no names here]. Login to view their names No minimum numbers needed for go ahead.

Photo was taken about 0600hrs.  Trip to 'Disappearing Gun', drinks at Portobello Pub late in the day.

See Menu / National Reunion / Registration on this site for more details.

1800 hours meet in main room. Those that reply to this Event that they are attending will be sent a free ticket to be redeemed at the bar for either a pint of beer, a glass of wine or a spirit shot shout. This shout includes spouses or partners if included in the reply by indicating numbers attending. Go to 'Get Tickets'. Loyal Toast to King Charles III & Corps RNZE [not done, no port at RSA also most attendees no drink & drive]. 1900 hours go through to the restaurant for dinner. Good idea to bus in and Uber home to avoid drink driving. Those that want more notice of Events can login and view Northern Branch / Bay of Plenty page. For instance this Event date has been displayed on the BOP page for over a year now. On the evening 5 people attended. Their names are listed on the Bay of Plenty page para 30(a) [some people don't like their names being shown on a public domain, so no names here]. Login to view their names & photo MtRSA29Sep22_3.jpg attached. Members who are not from Bay of Plenty can login and adjust their profile to see the BOP page. Go to the very bottom of the profile and check 'Visiting BOP' & wait a day or so for the system routine to refresh the Smart Group to include this new value. Don't forget to uncheck it sometime [if BOP ever gets a District Moderator, s/he will probably start sending out many emails to BOP members, which would include unwanted emails to those who've checked visiting]