Television documentary charts RSA’s 90 years

Media Release
24 April 2007

Television documentary charts RSA’s 90 years of support

A landmark documentary which charts for the first time the 90-year history of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) will premiere on TV One on Anzac Day.

Supported by New Zealand’s leading home equity release provider Sentinel, RNZRSA – Remembering Who We Are goes to air at 10.05am on Wednesday 25 April, fronted by Kevin Milne from Fair Go.

“The story of the RSA, what it is, why and how it was established has never been told before,” said Sentinel Chief Executive Vaughan Underwood.

“The RSA is as relevant now as when it was set up 90 years ago by soldiers who had returned home from Gallipoli, namely to ensure the integration of veterans returning to civilian life and to protect their wellbeing. Its members are the elders of our society, to be honoured and esteemed for their service.”

The 50-minute documentary combines historical and contemporary interviews with archive footage which place the role and work of the RNZRSA over the years in an important social and historical context.

RNZRSA National President John Campbell, said: “The documentary is the first time the story of the RSA in New Zealand has been told in such a comprehensive fashion and it reinforces the need for future generations to continue its work and legacy.”

As naming sponsor of the documentary, Sentinel’s partnerships with the RSA have included:

- being one of two poppy partners for the RSA, which entitles Sentinel to use the international poppy symbol for its promotions

- support of the RSA’s conferences

- local support for various RSA clubs and initiatives

- creation of a “heritage garden” at the Ellerslie International Flower Show, which celebrated the RSA and featured hundreds of soldier poppies in commemoration of the Year of the Veteran. The garden won a silver medal at the show

- Donation of $7,600 to the RSA’s welfare fund, following the sale of the Ellerslie garden’s Victorian gazebo

“The RSA is an organisation Sentinel truly applauds and admires and we look forward to continuing to support them,” said Mr Underwood.

ENDS

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