Get The Troops Ready For Action

Get The Troops Ready For Action

MOTAT's popular annual Military Weekend is back! Round up the troops and head to MOTAT on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March for an action packed military experience.

With interactive activities, exciting re-enactments and live displays and rides, the whole family can experience what military life was like for New Zealanders who fought in the World Wars.

"It's the closest you'll get to being in the army without having to join up," says Bridgette Robinson, Event Coordinator for MOTAT.

Come and see MOTAT's newest military addition, the impressive FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier. The Personnel Carrier was used by the British Army to transport infantry on the battlefield, taking a ride inside this 15 ton giant is sure to be a highlight of the weekend.

Following on from the success of Steven Spielberg's mini series, "The Pacific" MOTAT's military Weekend will have a strong focus on the battle and activity that took place in the Pacific Theater in WWII. Battles will take place at 3pm on Saturday and 11.30am on Sunday. Be prepared to see a staunch parade of military uniforms, jeeps and the real preserved arms used by squadrons in WWII. Visitors will be stirred by the re-enactors portrayal of the actions of New Zealand heroes who were brave enough to leave home and fight for their country.

Kids can scramble their way through the training obstacle course or get kitted up army-style with military camouflage face paint, while adults can sit back and enjoy entertainment and music provided by The Band of The Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland on Saturday and the Pipes and Drums of the Signals Association on Sunday all accompanied by the wartime dancing styles of jitterbug swing dancers.

Hear the stirring "last post" by a lone bugler at midday on Saturday and Sunday - as a tribute to NZ soldiers past and present.

"We feel Military Weekend is the perfect opportunity to show people the sacrifice that New Zealand has made in wartime over the last century, as well as the profound effect this had on our country's history" says Ms Robinson.

Entry to Military Weekend is free for war veterans with a reserved seated and shaded area available for veterans and RSA members.

MOTAT's collection of wartime memorabilia will be on display as well as aircraft restored by MOTAT's volunteer WWII veterans , and military vehicles dating back as early as WWI.

Dates

MOTAT's Military Weekend is open from 10am - 4pm on Saturday 19 March and Sunday 20 March.

Location

MOTAT, Meola Road, Western Springs, Auckland

Costs

You can also enjoy the rest of MOTAT, including a tram ride and entry to MOTAT's 'I Am the Last Tram' exhibition as part of your entry fee.

Entry Fee:

§ Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35

§ Adults $14

§ Children (under 16) $8

§ Students $8

§ Senior Citizens $7

§ Children under 5 years are free

§ Veterans are free

§ MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)

ENDS

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