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40th Reunion
The Officer Cadet Training Company Class of ’83 40th reunion was held over Labour Weekend 2023 in Waiouru.
Folk started arriving in camp on Friday afternoon. A drive around the camp revealed how much has changed in forty years. There was a time when the streets would be bustling with soldiers and military vehicles at all hours, but not so much today. Some buildings have entirely disappeared, while others have been repurposed or appeared to have been abandoned. And the OCTC parade ground – hallowed asphalt in our day – was progressively returning to nature.
Attendees had a rendezvous at the Officers’ Mess bar, reminiscing until almost midnight. A few hardy souls found a bottle of whiskey and continued on into the small hours.
Image Credit NZ Institute of Architects
Saturday morning started with breakfast in the 800 Man Mess. A standing joke in the old television series MASH was the oxymoron ‘army food’. The meals in the 800 Man Mess were ample but best described as ‘interesting’ and, perhaps as a consequence, were not well attended.
The Rugby World Cup semi-finals were a late addition to the programme, with the All Blacks victorious over Argentina. Then it was off for elective activities.
Training Area Tour
The training area tour went well from all counts, with partners getting to see country that is normally off limits to civilians. And to make the day, several Kaimanawa wild horses showed up for a close encounter. Terry and his camera also managed a close encounter with terra firma, thankfully without serious damage.
Central Plateau
The Central Plateau tour started with petanque on the somewhat-unkempt croquet lawn in front of the Château Tongariro. The future of this grand historical building is in the balance, and it was nice to see it still standing majestically with snow-clad Mount Ruapehu in the background.
Then it was off to circumnavigate Lake Rotopounamu. The alpine forest track was in excellent order, but the initial climb to the lake appeared to have lengthened since my last visit.
Image Credit Mike Dickison
A short drive to the hot pools at Tokaanu was followed by a swim and a BBQ. Unfortunately the Barbie rations (and, in particular, the steak) were a disappointment. Thanks to Steve and David for volunteering for chef duty.
The Main Event
The 40th reunion dinner – with everyone turned out beautifully. Terry (Dining President) Ange (Vice), and Carol (grace) handled the formalities admirably, with the Loyal Toast and a toast to absent friends. The meal was superb. Dessert was followed by port in commemorative engraved glasses (a keepsake). Alas the tradition of cigars is no more. Tyson and the staff from the Rustic Eating House excelled despite not having access to the Officers’ Mess kitchen.
This was followed with group photos, a slide show, a voluntary stand-up to explain away the last 40 years, and then back to the bar. Special mention in absentia to Andy for a generous bar tab which lasted late into the evening.
Commemoration
Sunday started with a short commemoration at the Waiouru Army Museum Greenstone Wall hosted my Maj. Tim Marsden. Padre Lionel Smith led prayers, Terry gave a reading, Andrea read the Roll of Honour, Dave led The Ode, and Angela and Jon laid a wreath. This was followed by a guided tour of the museum.
With the Weather Gods threatening, most folk decided to head away early and avoid the long weekend’s holiday traffic. As a result, the evening’s astronomy event was canceled.
With only three golf participants remaining in camp, the command decision was made to abandon this too. I headed out to the course to tender apologies to the President and Secretary and was surprised to be joined by Trevor and Phyllipa. The weather at Raetihi was sunny and warm (an entirely different microclimate from the cold showers in Waiouru), and the course seemed to be well attended on their club day.
Having the reunion in Waiouru was always going to be challenging and we succeeded where many others have failed. Special thanks are due to Terry and Jon, the many people in Waiouru that went the extra mile to make the reunion possible, and of course to the Class of ’83.
Comrades in Arms
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