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In May 1971, 161 Battery RNZA was withdrawn from Vietnam.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: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Needing a Skip Bin Recommendations
Good Folk can any of you Recommend a Skip Bin Company who do not cost an arm and leg please?
Who have you used from experience and are a good price?
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