The celebrations
The 70th anniversary of the Friendly Invasion of New Zealand by U.S.Armed Forces 1942 - 1944 has been held in Kapiti, Porirua and Wellington until Thursday 14 June 2012.
The Programme
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday 27 May |
Salute70 Opening & Mulled Wine Concert Jan Preston/Mary Gow play 30/40s piano, Paekakariki Memorial Hall, 2.30pm. |
| Monday 28 May |
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Service at Queen Elizabeth Park, Mac-Kay’s Crossing 9.45am to 11.30am. followed by tree planting. All welcome. New memorial commemoration. New Zealand American Association Memorial Church Service Old St Paul's, 34 Mulgrave St, Thorndon, Wellington City, 3pm. All welcome. |
| Wednesday 30 May |
Salute 70 Bus Tour of Porirua Camp sites, 9am to 4.30 pm and Movie Screening “War Stories" by Gaylene Preston Lighthouse Pauatahanui, cost $35. Assemble at Pataka Museum. |
| Friday 1 June | Salute 70 Bus Tour of Kapiti Camps & Lunch, 9.30 am -12.30 pm, Assemble outside Finns Hotel, Beach Road, Paekakariki. |
| Saturday 2 June |
Paekakariki Market Day 9am -2pm Village Dance 8pm St Peter's Hall. Salute 70 Community Story Telling at Pataka Museum, Porirua 10am - 3pm. |
| Sunday 3 June |
Salute 70 Community Story Telling at St Peter's Hall, Paekakariki, 9.30 am -12.30 pm. Memorial Church Service St Peter Church, Paekakariki, 3pm. |
| Sunday 10 June |
Salute 70 Run/walk on a Marines route march over the Maungakotukutuku Hill and back to Camp Mackay 9.00 am for walkers,10.00 am for runners, assemble at Whareroa Farm, Paekakariki. Trilogy Tours "Memory Lane" Tour 9.30-11.30am Tour of Kapiti historical and scenic sights before concert at 2pm. Pick up outside Finns Hotel, Beach Road, Paekakariki, ends at Southwards Car museum $25 The Marine Forces Pacific Band Concert Southwards Museum 2 pm. Free event. SOLD OUT. Check here for other opportunities. |
| Monday 11 June |
The Marine Forces Pacific Band Concert Te Rauparaha Arena Porirua,Free Concert. No tickets required. General Admission. 10.30 am -11.30 am. |
| Tuesday 12 June |
The Marine Forces Pacific Band Concert Wairarapa College, Masterton. Free Concert. No tickets required. General Admission. 1pm. |
| Wednesday 13 June |
The Marine Forces Pacific Band Concert Old St Paul’s 34 Mulgrave St Thorndon Free Concert. No tickets |
| Thursday 14 June |
Official NZ Government 70th Anniversary, Wellington, Wreath Laying at the National War Memorial, Buckle Street, Wellington (Time to be provided). 12.30pm – The Marine Forces Pacific Band Concert Free Concert Civic Square (weather dependent). 5.45pm – US Marines and Marine Forces Pacific Band with NZ Defence Personnel Sunset Ceremony, Parliament Forecourt, Free Pauatahanui event. |