LIGHTING THE LAMP OF REMEMBRANCE
The Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), together with Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rang Pūpū invite you to join them for Lighting the Lamp of Remembrance. From 15 October onward, the lamp will be illuminated 365 days of the year to remember and honour all New Zealand services personnel.
The event marks the 96th year of the Sappers’ Parade, a military parade into St David’s, the World War I Soldiers’ Memorial Church. It will include an all-faith remembrance service, opening address by the Colonel Commandant RNZE, the first lighting of the Lamp of Remembrance. Abundant music, both solemn and lively, will underpin this all-ages musical remembrance event.
Please join active, veteran and civilian servicemen and women to witness and celebrate this very special occasion together. Remembering those who served.
Located within the Great Hall of St David’s, in the newly restored Sappers’ Chapel, the Lamp lets all returned service men and women know that we remember them, and that this sanctuary in central Auckland is here for them. For peace, music, or company.
Join us for an all-faith musical remembrance service at Kāhui St Davids.
ANNUAL SAPPERS’ PARADE
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVE
SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER
doors open 10am for a 10:30am start
70 Khyber Pass RD, AUCKLAND CENTRAL
The event will also celebrate the unveiling of tukutuku artwork panels to adorn the sanctuary of St David's
We invite you to get your tickets via Eventfinda by way of koha.
General Admission - suggested koha $10.00
Veterans and children under 18 FREE
Suitable for all ages.
SAPPERS
The motto of the Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), also known as Sappers, is UBIQUE, which means “everywhere”. On the battle front, they are first in, and last out. They perform a variety of military engineering duties, such as breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, and road, tunnel and airfield construction and repair.
The first unit of New Zealand Engineers to be raised was the Canterbury Volunteer Engineer Company, formed in 1865. Permanent New Zealand Defence Force Engineers evolved from the Torpedo and Engineer Corps. On 15th October 1902, No 2 Service Company, New Zealand Permanent Militia was granted the dignity and name of Royal New Zealand Engineers, which with Royal Assent, was changed to the Corps of Royal NZ Engineers, RNZE on 3 September 1903.
A gift from the past to the future – St David’s Memorial Church building
St David’s foundation stone was laid on ANZAC Day 1927 and dedicated as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church. It has been home to the Royal New Zealand Engineers (Sappers) ever since. Once the “cathedral of the Presbyterian Church”, St David’s is now owned by Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū (charitable) – its name translates as “gathering place of the heavenly trumpets”. The building’s purchase has been made possible thanks to the support of New Zealanders nationwide, to ensure that St David’s would continue as a living memorial to soldiers and servicemen and women of all services. The building is now home to Kāhui St David’s, a centre for music, community and remembrance.
