NZDF WOWS AT QUEEN’S JUBILEE The New Zealand Defence Force contingent wowed the crowds lining The Mall as it participated in the massive celebration that was Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London. The 40-strong marching party, under Commander Kerry Tutty, Contingent Commander, were among around 2,000 military personnel who marched the three kilometres from Admiralty Arch, along The Mall to Buckingham Palace on Sunday 5 June. CDR Tutty said she had been looking forward to the atmosphere of such an incredible milestone, and earlier had said she was especially excited to show the contingent’s diverse ceremonial demonstration.
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As the march proceeded, a six-strong taua, or warrior party, with traditional weapons, broke away from the march, acting as kiore (runner scouts) on the left and right flanks of the main body. Petty Officer Physical Training Instructor Te Teira Maxwell told Stuff media the crowd had been relatively quiet leading up to that point. “Then a big roar went up. It was an awesome experience.” CDR Tutty said it was a fantastic moment. “The cheers just went up,” she told Stuff media. “It is an enormous honour to represent New Zealand at the Pageant and to celebrate Her Majesty’s lifetime of public service alongside our Commonwealth colleagues.”
The contingent had been training at the British Army’s Pirbright Camp in Surrey, and earlier in the week they held a 4am rehearsal on The Mall. Chief Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist Shane Dixon said it provided a much-needed sense of occasion as the big day approached. While in England, the contingent took part in the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral prior to the pageant and attended services at the Brockenhurst and Brookwood cemeteries, where New Zealand service people are buried. New Zealand sent a contingent to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1987 (marking 60 years on the throne).
