NZ Army Engineers celebrate 50th charter year with Akaroa

Around 70 sappers, or military engineers, from Burnham Military Camp’s 3^rd Field and Emergency Response Squadron (3 FD & ER SQN), 2^nd Engineer Regiment marched through Akaroa on Thursday, marking 50 years since the unit obtained the Charter of Akaroa.

Officer Commanding 3 FD & ER SQN, Major Mike Lawry, says the charter parade signifies the strong connection between the people of Akaroa and the sappers, NZ Army and wider New Zealand Defence Force.

We are proud to continue to develop the relationship that is now more than 50 years strong, and hope that the connections develop further into the future.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger attended the parade as the reviewing officer and says reaffirming the Charter strengthens the already strong ties that the Army Engineers have with the people of the region.

“The connection between the Army and the people of Christchurch and surrounding districts will always be strong. The relationship that Akaroa has with the Army Engineers from Burnham is one that we certainly take with great pride,” Mr Mauger said.

The history of freedom of entry or charter parades date back to medieval times, where fortress walled afforded cities protection from attacks.

The history of 3 FLD SQN’s connection to Akaroa dates back to October 1974 when they were requested to assist the then County of Akaroa with work such as underwater demolitions, bridging, vertical and horizontal construction and tree felling.

The work the sappers did back then, supported the Akaroa and wider Banks Peninsula community and led to the chairman of the county granting the Charter of Akaroa to 3 Field Squadron Royal New Zealand Engineers. Many of the tasks that the sappers of the 1970s completed continue to be trained and executed by sappers today.

Major Lawry said freedom of entry at the time was a highly prized privilege and not easily won.

“This ceremonial honour is now bestowed by a city council, in this case the Christchurch City Council, and demonstrates the respect and trust its citizens have in the military to protect their democratic institutions.

It also demonstrates the trust and respect between the people of the town and the military.

The reaffirming of the charter with 3 FD & ER SQN cements the right and privilege without permission for the squadron to march with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating and band playing through the streets of the town of Akaroa.   

“The charter with Akaroa is a significant source of pride for the southern sappers, cementing our long standing and proud relationship with the town.

“Previously we maintained key infrastructure in the area, including bridges, piers, roads and our own facilities. Today we utilise the bays and oceans to refine our all arms and small boat operations,” Major Lawry said.