70th Anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand

Salute 70

Salute 70, a unique 1940’s themed festival to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand: a celebrations which paid tribute to American servicemen and women who were stationed, trained or convalesced in New Zealand during World War II.

Memorial Day 2012

The Memorial Day event featured the New Zealand Air force Band and leading New Zealand baritone Zane Te Wiremu Jarvis. It was attended by Governor General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, tangata whenua, national and local politicians, members of the New Zealand and U.S. armed services, the RSA, visiting U.S.Marines and their families, community and youth groups.

As part of the event, a new memorial to ten US sailors who died off Paekākāriki beach in June, 1943, during landing exercises, was unveiled and new Memorial Grove of Trees to honour the lives of men killed in the Pacific war was planted.

Read the Media release: Re-living the arrival of US Marines in New Zealand, 23 January 2012

Read the Governor General Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae's speach

Read about the Sailors Memorial

Memorial Day 2012 - Photo Gallery

Story Telling

A story telling session remembering the 15,000 US Marines and sailors posted to Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast during WWII.

Watch all the video

The MARFORPAC Band Concert - May 2012

The Marine Forces Pacific (or MARFORPAC) Band is based in Hawaii and has been around since 1918.  The band is made up of 50 highly trained Marines from across the USA and travels throughout the Pacific region providing music for ceremonies and public concerts.  It plays a little bit of everything from military to jazz to rock and is visiting New Zealand to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S. forces arriving in New Zealand in 1942.

The MARFORPAC Band Concert - Photo Gallery

Parliament Reception

70th Anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand - Parliament Reception - Photo Gallery