Charter Parade - Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment

Saturday 7 December 2002 at 11.00 am

It's been 2 years since the last Charter Parade and in that time I had forgotten how you can rely on the military to make you feel a bit shabby on the shiny shoe front. The standard of dress is again superb, and humbling.

My official acknowledgements go to Commander 3 Land Force, Colonel Martin Dransfield, Honorary Colonel of the Canterbury Nelson Marlborough West Coast Regiment, Doug Kidd, and Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Trengrove.

Along with you, I share in the pleasure of again watching the Regiment parading in Christchurch. It is a chance to witness some living history, both recent and past. This regiment was virtually part of the foundation of what we now know as the New Zealand Army.

It began on 28 March 1866 with the forming of the No 1 Battalion, Canterbury Rifle Volunteers.

Since then the New Zealand Army has had some presence in Canterbury, and while the names and structure of the Regiment has shifted many times the concept of voluntary service has stayed constant.

Soldiers from our region work in closely with the Regular Forces. In recent times the Regiment has deployed members to the Sinai, Bougainville, Israel and more recently to East Timor. First there was one person from the 1st Battalion RNZIR Group then from NZ Battalions 2, 3, 5 and 6. Some of these people are present today.

We are also witness today to another stage in the Regiment's history with the handover of command.

Lieutenant Colonel Trengrove has served the Regiment with distinction. He has now passed over command to Lieutenant Colonel Keetley. It has been some time since a Territorial Force officer has been in command. I wish him all the best.

And finally, I would like to congratulate the medal recipients and the personnel who have been promoted today.

Thank You