On ANZAC Day 2012, Sergeant Andie Thompson was selected to attend the Vice Regal Luncheon with the Governer General – she reports on her experience:
“On the 25th of April (ANZAC Day) I attended lunch at government house in celebration and memory of those soldiers of the ANZAC’s. There was a small group of cadets from various wellington region New Zealand Cadet Force Units in attendance, along with war veterans, current serving members of the armed forces and people of importance, such as the Governor General, Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, and his wife Lady Janine Mateparae.
A three course set meal was served, and it was delicious. Both before and after the meal there were opportunities to socialise with a range of beverages provided. There was a short time for small snacks (cakes and slices) and coffee before the event was over. After the official event we were able to go on a small tour around the house, which held a large amount of history and interesting information and things to look at.
We were then escorted from the building and given gift boxes which contained ANZAC biscuits.”