Second Thursday in the month (February to November inclusive), commencing at midday at Level 2 (Heritage Section) at the City Library.  Also, other presentations on days and venues provided.

See posters in respect of each presentation for time and venue and other needful  information.

2024

(Note: These presentations and topics may change according to speaker availability.  Also, that all the 2020-22 audio recordings and Powerpoint presentations are on the “nzsappers” website (Heritage Audio Section - see letterhead above). For 2024, all EPLP = Evening Public Lecture Presentations will be at the PN City Library Mezzanine Floor (entrance off the alleyway between George Street and the Square), and MMMHP = Monthly Midday Military History Presentations will be on Level 2 (Heritage Section) of the PN City Library (PNCL).

The Engineer Corps Memorial Centre (ECMC) as part of the RNZE Charitable Trust (RNZE CT) and in partnership with the Palmerston North City Library (PNCL), will host the following:

PLEASE NOTE:  This presentation is now being held on Thu 12 Dec 24, 12:00 - 1:00pm at the Central Library, Mezzanine Floor. 

OTHER EVENTS

This programme follows on from the approved and successful previous activity listings.  It includes the military history presentations known as the “Evening Public Lecture Presentations” (EPLP) and the “Monthly Midday Military History Presentations” (MMMHP) series. There are also “Major City Events” (MCE) as shown below and other related military historical anniversaries, activities, and events.  This programme is based around discussions with the PNCC Mayor and CEO, PNCL Heritage team, PNCC Events team, PNDHAG members and the PNRSA Executive Committee.  The programme is very dynamic, and venues include PNCL Level 2 (Heritage Section) and Mezzanine Floor (entrance via alleyway between George Street and The Square), depending upon availability.  Following separate invitations will confirm dates, timings, and venues, together with any associated RSVP and/or health and safety requirements.

2024 Programme:  

14 Nov 110^th anniversary of the invasion of Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) by British forces (lasted until 1918)

3 Dec- 110^th anniversary of the formation of the ANZAC Corps in Egypt in 1914

 Other notable anniversaries in 2024:

160^th anniversary of the formation of Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles

110^th anniversary of the commencement of the First World War

110th anniversary of HMS Philomel being acquired as a training ship.

110^th anniversary of the creation of the Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC)

80^th anniversary of the creation of an NZ Corps (Cassino) and NZ Division operations at Cassino

80^th anniversary of D Day

80^th anniversary of the Polish uprising in Warsaw (1 August)

80^th anniversary of 5 SQN RNZAF being re-formed to operate flying boats.

70^th anniversary of NZDF involvement in the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Israel and Lebanon

30^th anniversary of New Zealand commitment to the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in former Yugoslavia

25^th anniversary of NZ involvement in INTERFET and UNTAET in East Timor/ Timor Leste

10^th anniversary of the withdrawal of the NZ Provincial Reconstruction Team from Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan

2024 Notes – During Local History Week and Heritage Month (in March), other military heritage activities are likely to be included.  Likewise, other presentations on contemporary military strategy and NZDF plans will be arranged during the year.  Other activities could include the “Battle of the Bridges” event in March (or later in) 2024 (hosted by Linton Camp and run by the Corps of RNZE and Defence Recruiting) in Te Marae o Hine/The Square.

Otherwise for 2025-2029, a similar format/pattern as in previous years for both EPLP and MMMHP programmes, two major commemorative events (or MCE - ANZAC Day and Remembrance (Armistice) Day), plus potential for an annual NZDF activity/event, provided by Linton Camp (1 (NZ) Bde) and RNZAF Base Ohakea, as Charter partners of the PNCC.  Note that 2024 and 2025 hold some significant anniversaries of military campaigns from the early NZ Land Wars, through until more recent time and will be reflected in the respective programmes for each of these years.  2025 will also be the 180^th anniversary of the establishment of the NZ Army.

MMMHP sessions are normally held on the second Thu in each month, Feb through Nov, in the Heritage Section (Second Floor, PN City Library).  EPLP sessions are normally held on Tue evenings (except for Mon in Apr) in the months of Apr, Jun, Aug and Nov, in the PN City Library Mezzanine Floor (entrance off alleyway between George Street and The Square).  Other military history presentations by visiting historians and book launches/releases are also programmed throughout each year and will be advised separately.  Event invite posters will confirm all timings and venues for these activities.