Expressions of Interest - 70th Anniversary of Battle of Singapore
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand is seeking Expressions of Interest from veterans of the Battle of Singapore (1942) who served in a New Zealand unit e.g. 488 Squadron, who may wish to attend 70th Anniversary commemorations in Singapore in February 2012.
Veterans considering travelling to commemorative activities overseas should be aware that such journeys can be long, arduous and tiring with a significant amount of time spent sitting in aircraft. In addition to changes to the time zone changes, interrupted sleep and keeping unusual hours, temperatures will range between 23°-32° Celsius. Veterans also need to consider their levels of fitness and whether or not they have any potential health problems which could be exacerbated as a result of such travel. Those travelling will also need a current passport.
As with all overseas travel, it is important to note the travel advisories that are in place and updated regularly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the website www.safetravel.govt.nz. These advisories are useful in identifying destinations that may be of risk to the traveller and the security environment is certainly one which is taken into consideration when planning attendance by veterans at overseas commemorations.
If you are a New Zealand veteran who served in a New Zealand unit during the Battle of Singapore, and you would like to register your interest in attending 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Singapore commemorations in 2012, please contact:
Aaron Hanley
Adviser Commemorations
Veterans' Affairs New Zealand
PO Box 5146
WELLINGTON 6145
Freephone: 0800 483 8372
Email: veterans@xtra.co.nz
Expressions of interest will need to be forwarded to Veterans' Affairs New Zealand no later than Friday 6 January 2012.
Please note that Veterans' Affairs New Zealand will be closed for the holiday season from midday on 23 December 2011, reopening again on 4 January 2012.