Latest news with #NewZealandArmy
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Hobbiton Movie Set receives Guinness World Record for largest purpose-built film set
' Visitors to Hobbiton Movie Set are often blown away by the scale of the movie set and the detail they kept in the gardens and Hobbit holes nestled into the hillsides of The Shire, so to be recognised for this is fantastic'. The set was originally created in 1999 over nine months after Sir Peter Jackson's team of location scouts fell in love with the Alexander family's sheep and beef farm in the rolling green hills of the Waikato countryside a year earlier. The set was built with the help of the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 Hobbit Holes were taking shape. Filming for the Lord of the Rings trilogy started in December 1999 and took about 15 months. After filming wrapped up, the set was meant to be demolished, however, before the entire set could be taken down, the Alexander family intervened and 17 bare plywood facades remained. In 2009, Jackson returned to film the trilogy of The Hobbit movies and he left behind the set visitors see today, including 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes. Since then, the set has grown further to include the cafe The Green Dragon Inn in 2012 and two interior Hobbit Holes in 2023. WingNut Films chief executive and representative from Sir Peter Jackson's office Carlos Ramirez Laloli said they were 'thrilled' to hear about the record. 'This achievement is a testament to the care and dedication that Russell [Alexander], Shayne [Forrest], and the entire Hobbiton team demonstrate in their custodianship over the property,' Laloli said. 'We hope that this well-deserved recognition will lead to many more people taking their own unexpected journey's to experience the magic of Hobbiton.' A spokesperson for Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the world record was great news. 'This is great recognition for an iconic New Zealand tourism attraction, and one we're very proud to have in the Waikato. 'We know people love it, the effort which goes into maintaining the set, and of course the creative energy behind the movies themselves.' On her social media page, Upston said it was a 'very cool' recognition. 'Great recognition for one of New Zealand's most iconic attractions. Hobbiton brings in over half a million visitors a year, helping boost tourism and grow our economy.' Matamata-Piako Mayor Adrienne Wilcock said the record confirmation was 'awesome news' for the local community and the wider Waikato. 'Hobbiton is already a magical place nestled in the heart of Matamata farmland, and being named the largest movie set in the world is just the icing on the cake. It's a huge credit to the team at Hobbiton — their passion, hard work, and vision have turned a film set into one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations," Wilcock said. 'It's the kind of recognition that draws even more visitors to experience the magic of The Shire, and with Jetstar starting international flights into Hamilton in June, the timing couldn't be better. I'm sure the benefits will be felt across our local economy and through the whole Waikato region.' Hamilton and Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell congratulated the Hobbiton team on the achievement. 'While Guinness World Record have acknowledged Hobbiton Movie Set for being the largest, in our opinion, it is also the most magical,' she said. 'The team at Hobbiton Movie Set are masters at providing exceptional visitor experiences ... It doesn't matter if you have been to Hobbiton Movie Set before or if you are a new visitor, the magic continues.' Waikato Herald. She joined NZME in 2021 and is based in Hamilton.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Drill to prepare for threat of Alpine Fault rupture
NZ Army medics learn how to work in different environments during a training exercise in the Pisa Conservation Area. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Imagine the scenario. New Zealand's largest fault line, the Alpine Fault, has just ruptured in Central Otago's Pisa Conservation Area. A man, hypothermic and barely conscious after being found in a creek bed, is carried to a New Zealand Army medical detachment for treatment. While specialists begin treatment, others prepare a tent to stabilise the man before emergency services arrive. Luckily, this is only a training exercise conducted by about two dozen New Zealand Army medical personnel. The mountain rescue drill took place at the Snow Farm Nordic Ski Area. Perched high in the Pisa Range, the site was chosen for its remoteness and existing infrastructure. Though only a drill, it reflected a genuine threat, as scientists estimate a 75% chance of a magnitude 8.0 or stronger Alpine Fault quake within 50 years. Most participants were part-time Reserve Force medics with civilian experience alongside a small number of Regular Force personnel. In a statement, Deployable Health Organisation commanding officer Lieutenant-colonel Glen Whitton said alpine exercises offered a unique chance to adapt to altitude and isolation. "Medical training is normally focused on combat scenarios. "However, we assist in humanitarian and disaster relief in New Zealand and the Pacific. "The likelihood is we will be called on to respond potentially to humanitarian and disaster emergencies," he said. The teams, each made up of a commander, doctor, nurse and two medics, practised two response methods. One method used a mobile detachment that drove a New Zealand Army Pinzgauer vehicle to reach casualties quickly. They erected a portable 11m x 11m tent and delivered treatment under basic conditions. The second detachment used existing hard-standing buildings, operating from a remote alpine hut. Senior medic and training facilitator Sergeant Danny Freestone said the medical detachments were designed to triage and stabilise a patient on or near the location of their injury, giving them a higher rate of survival. "Once stabilised, ideally emergency services would extract them from the location to the nearest hospital." — APL
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Record turnout at dawn service
Over 1000 people from the Lake Hāwea and Wānaka communities gathered at Lake Hāwea on Friday for the annual Anzac remembrance dawn service. The tiny town showed what community is all about. People of all creeds and ages stood together for the national day to make a record crowd of 1039. Veterans, community stalwarts and school children gathered in front of the Lake Hāwea war memorial to remember fallen soldiers. Hāwea Flat School children sang a beautiful Hareruia to open. Local Sergeant Lorne Capell led the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landings and acknowledged all New Zealand personnel who had served. "We are here to remember and celebrate the lives of service personnel, not just those who passed in Turkey, but in the many battles and conflicts since. We pay tribute to all sacrifices made in the line of duty," Sgt Capell said. Past and current service members attended the service where Lance-corporal Daniel Leighton was the guest speaker. Lcpl Leighton enlisted in the army in 2007 and attained a red diamond during his time in the army. He served in Afghanistan twice in the Special Air Service and a variety of roles with the New Zealand Army. "Veterans have always been central to Anzac Day commemorations in New Zealand," he said. "On this occasion, as we approach the 80th anniversary of the Second World War, we should particularly acknowledge the great sacrifices of the small band of surviving Second World War veterans and departing comrades. "The passing of time does not diminish what they did. What they endured and gave up in defence of our country and the values we hold." Lcpl Leighton acknowledged the current conflicts across the globe. "Today, the system is under acute strain and the world is a more unstable and dangerous place than it has been for decades. "When we leave here today, we may like to consider what we as individuals can do to continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom and basic human rights across the world." "Anzac Day has always been, as it should be, a day for reflecting and remembering." Lcpl Leighton moved to Hāwea and took up a building apprenticeship after his service in the army. The community of over 1000 sang the Australian and New Zealand national anthems before gathering at the community hall for a breakfast. A similar amount of people gathered in Wānaka for the dawn service held at the war memorial.
NZ Herald
08-05-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Veteran pilot Derek Williams retires after decades of Anzac Day flyovers
Now he is retiring. Where it all started At the end of World War II, Williams saw the Americans build the Waharoa aerodrome close to his hometown of Matamata and a passion for flying was born. An 18-year-old Williams obtained his private licence in 1955, eventually acquiring enough hours in the cockpit to qualify for a commercial licence in 1960. He gained his licence in the de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth, he said. Despite having qualifications as a commercial pilot, he never entered the Royal New Zealand Air Force; instead, he enrolled in the New Zealand Army during the 20th Compulsory Military Training. 'It bugged me, I had my commercial licence and they did not even look at me.' Despite that, Williams said he enjoyed his time in the army as a radio operator and gunner in Valentine tanks. 'It taught you discipline, you learnt to behave yourself.' The New Zealand Government discontinued the programme in 1972. Williams served three months in the army before finding work as a top-dressing pilot in 1961. He amassed more than 592,000 take-offs and landings and sprayed 363,448 tonnes of fertiliser across 57,000ha. A top-dressing pilot is a specialised agricultural pilot who flies aircraft (usually small fixed-wing planes) to spread fertilisers, lime or sometimes seeds over farmland. He retired from top-dressing in 2014, after 53 years on the job. 'I was 77 when I retired, now at 87, I am an old b***tard.' During his career, Williams top-dressed in Malaysia and delivered and flew planes to Norfolk Island and the Solomon Islands. Advertise with NZME. All the while escaping the odd crash, he said. In 2000, he wrote off a Fletcher plane in Cambridge. 'The engine seemed to lose power, and I left the strip. I hit something, and it went all dark. When I stopped, I thought I must be dead. 'But I opened the canopy, the engine was ripped out, and I had gone through a trough, and the muck on the bottom had covered the aeroplane.' A second crash in 2001 in Northern Borneo resulted in his plane bursting into flames. 'It was on fire within about 20 minutes and was a heap of ashes.' The early years of top-dressing were a dangerous time; 100 pilots died during 1949-1980, he said. Anzac Day flyovers Williams flew over the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service for 35 years before becoming president of the Mount RSA in 2016. His first Anzac Day fly-by was in 1980. He did a handful more following his stint as Mount RSA president, but could not get behind the controls as his medical clearance was revoked this year. 'I had to get a mate to fly the aeroplane.' Williams wants to get his medical clearance back but is unsure how that conversation with the doctor will go. 'The doctor said to me. How many pilots at 87 are still flying?' Williams said. 'How the hell would I know?'
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Kerikeri soldier spends summer in Antarctica at -30C with 24/7 sunlight
Laurie's days on the ice vary. Since the emergency crews rotate locations, he could be out on an ice shelf airfield, exploring with a day off, or at the station responding to fires, medical events or hazmat incidents. 'When I'm based out at Williams Airfield, our main role is aviation rescue fire fighting coverage for the United States Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft, which move people, cargo, and conduct scientific missions around the continent.' The biggest challenges are the 24-hour sunlight cycle and, unsurprisingly, the cold – especially during a -30C wind chill. What he found surprising were the conditions when the snow and ice melts. 'At the peak of summer, the melt left the whole area dusty and brown from the volcanic soil and rock which covers the region. Watching the speed of the sea ice breaking up around the station, bringing out the ocean, was also a cool experience. It's amazing watching the area change so rapidly,' he said. There's plenty on offer during downtime at McMurdo Station, meeting others and exploring. 'There are multiple hiking paths around the Station and Ross Island, which provide incredible views of the area. McMurdo Station also has recreation staff who plan events, ranging from science tours, to live entertainment by local talent, day trips, sports leagues, and more.' Laurie joined the New Zealand Army in 2023, aged 29, having always thought of a career in the military since being in the New Zealand Cadet Forces when he was younger. 'After finishing at Kerikeri High School I began travelling around the world and working a variety of jobs, including firefighting, which I am very passionate about. When I learnt about the emergency responder trade within the Army, I thought it sounded challenging, and an exciting experience to work as both a soldier and an emergency responder.'' His advice to anyone lucky enough to work on the continent is enjoy every moment. 'Work hard and go with an open mind. Learn about the environment, history and [Antarctic] treaty to prepare yourself. It is an amazing continent, rugged, unforgiving and different to anywhere on earth.'
