Waikato Reunion 2008, at Mt Maunganui.

The Reunion held over Labour Weekend marked ten years since the ship decommissioned, and signified forty one years since the ship first arrived in New Zealand. It was the first organised opportunity for ex-Waikato veterans to gather in remembrance of their service and comradeship in a ship that played a significant part in the recent history of the RNZN and RNZAF.
The Reunion was organised by the Bay of Plenty Branch of the RNZN Association with the full support of the Mount Maunganui RSA and additional support from Waikato Breweries.

The Reunion comprised:

An informal casual gathering on the Friday evening.

A Commemorative Dinner on the Saturday night 

A Church Service Sunday Morning followed by Morning Tea, up spirits and Lunch.

Up to Eighty five veterans and their partners attended the various functions, with twenty seven of the vets having served in the First Commission of Waikato.

First Commision Crew
 (click on the image for a larger version)

Apologies and congratulatory messages were received from RADM E.C. Thorne RNZN Rtd., Commanding Officer for UK Workup, voyage to NZ  and most of the First Far East Deployment, and RADM D. Ledson RNZN, Chief of Navy, and veteran of eleven years service in Waikato.
A message of goodwill and best wishes was also received from Hon Rick Barker, Minister of Veterans Affairs.  

Prior to the Saturday night dinner a traditional greeting/blessing was recited by Mr. Bruce Puke Puke, until recently Navy Kaumatua, and a member of the First Commission ships company.   

The Reunion dispersed on Sunday afternoon: veterans returning to their homes all over New Zealand, a number from Australia and one from Canada.

After Church and before 'Up spirits'   Note the smiles

The Mount Maunganui RSA Staff have since commented upon the Commemorative spirit of the attendees, and were honoured to have been part of this significant occasion. 

Bravo Zulu "Ned' Kelly for all your hard work, and Bob Iles for the photos