Operation Kiwi to raise awareness of NZ troops

A day at a Navy, Army or Air Force base is up for grabs as prizes in Operation KIWI, a design competition for students, launched by the New Zealand Defence Force today.

The competition for Year 6 to 10 students aims to raise awareness of Anzac Day and get children thinking about the role of Kiwi troops currently serving overseas.

To enter Operation KIWI children are asked to design either a memento of New Zealand for NZDF personnel serving overseas to remind them of home or a piece of equipment that would make life easier for NZDF personnel currently serving overseas.

“While Anzac Day is a day to honour those who have fallen in service to our country, we also wish to remember our troops who are working around the world today,” said the Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer.

“Currently the NZDF has 425 personnel deployed overseas working in countries such as Afghanistan, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. We really hope that schools use this valuable learning opportunity and support the competition.”

The competition will be judged by Weta Workshop Director Richard Taylor who said, “I am pleased to be able to assist with any initiative that encourages children’s creativity. I hope that school students around the country take up the challenge and enter the competition.”

Operation KIWI closes on Anzac Day (25 April) with the winners to be announced on 6 May.

Visit our Operation Kiwi page