VIETNAM VETERANS DAY – 18th August
This year, the national commemoration to mark Vietnam Veterans Day will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery was the first New Zealand combat unit to go to Vietnam in July 1965. It was based at Bien Hoa airbase with the US 173rd Airborne Brigade until June 1966.
161 Battery moved under 1ATF control in June 1966. The 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF) was based at Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy province.
In August 1966, 161 Battery, participated in the Battle of Long Tan.
Between May and June 1968 New Zealand, Australian and United States forces were involved in a series of actions at Fire Support Bases Coral and Balmoral, around 20 kilometres north of Bien Hoa city. Based at Coral and nearby Coogee, 161 Battery helped fight off several strong attacks from North Vietnamese forces in this area.
In May 1971, 161 Battery RNZA was withdrawn from Vietnam.
The battery was involved in 17 major operations during their time in Vietnam. It was the longest serving Allied unit in South Vietnam after the 173rd Airborne Brigade, having been continuously deployed for six years, ten months and 21 days.
Approximately 750 members of the 161st Battery served in Vietnam with a loss of 5 killed and 22 wounded.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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