Post by vgp on Feb 1, 2009 7:45:40 GMT 12
Force's warm welcome
The defence force is recognised for its social contribution.
By BRONWYN TORRIE - Manawatu Standard | Saturday, 31 January 2009
The defence force is much more valuable to Manawatu than the $258 million the staff inject into the region's economy.
This was the message given to more than a thousand army and airforce staff and their families at the military welcome function in Palmerston North yesterday.
Every year, wages totalling $123 million are paid to 2750 defence staff who make up 11 per cent of the region's employment.
The economic contribution is important, but the social contribution is significant and needs to be recognised, Palmerston North mayor Jono Naylor told the crowd at the Convention Centre.
"The city takes its relationship with the military seriously and values it highly.
"Whether you are here permanently or for a relatively short posting, you are part of the community and this is your home."
Camp Commander Colonel Tim Keating of Linton stressed the impact "service culture" had on the wider community.
"Our soldiers, airmen and families play and coach, referee and hold administrative roles on regional sports teams, we sit on committees, boards and are members of service and interest groups and clubs."
The partners of military staff also work in the community as doctors, lawyers, nurses, accountants, teachers and a wide variety of other professions, Col Keating said.
"Our people and their families bring much more, in a community sense, to Palmerston North and the Manawatu - they bring enthusiasm."
Wing Commander Tim Walshe of Ohakea said while the airforce and army are secluded from the city they do not exist in isolation.
"When our families come to the Manawatu they become part of the social fabric of the region."
But it is quite hard for military families to break into the civilian community and find a new doctor, hairdresser, school, mechanic and all the services they need outside the base.
* A discount scheme for local military staff was launched during the two-hour event.
More than 100 businesses signed up to the Chamber of Commerce and Manawatu Defence Hub initiative to give discounts to army and airforce staff who show their military identification card.
Hub chair Murray Cross said the scheme recognises the value of defence force staff and their families to the region.
www.stuff.co.nz/manawatustandard/4834269a6003.html
The defence force is recognised for its social contribution.
By BRONWYN TORRIE - Manawatu Standard | Saturday, 31 January 2009
The defence force is much more valuable to Manawatu than the $258 million the staff inject into the region's economy.
This was the message given to more than a thousand army and airforce staff and their families at the military welcome function in Palmerston North yesterday.
Every year, wages totalling $123 million are paid to 2750 defence staff who make up 11 per cent of the region's employment.
The economic contribution is important, but the social contribution is significant and needs to be recognised, Palmerston North mayor Jono Naylor told the crowd at the Convention Centre.
"The city takes its relationship with the military seriously and values it highly.
"Whether you are here permanently or for a relatively short posting, you are part of the community and this is your home."
Camp Commander Colonel Tim Keating of Linton stressed the impact "service culture" had on the wider community.
"Our soldiers, airmen and families play and coach, referee and hold administrative roles on regional sports teams, we sit on committees, boards and are members of service and interest groups and clubs."
The partners of military staff also work in the community as doctors, lawyers, nurses, accountants, teachers and a wide variety of other professions, Col Keating said.
"Our people and their families bring much more, in a community sense, to Palmerston North and the Manawatu - they bring enthusiasm."
Wing Commander Tim Walshe of Ohakea said while the airforce and army are secluded from the city they do not exist in isolation.
"When our families come to the Manawatu they become part of the social fabric of the region."
But it is quite hard for military families to break into the civilian community and find a new doctor, hairdresser, school, mechanic and all the services they need outside the base.
* A discount scheme for local military staff was launched during the two-hour event.
More than 100 businesses signed up to the Chamber of Commerce and Manawatu Defence Hub initiative to give discounts to army and airforce staff who show their military identification card.
Hub chair Murray Cross said the scheme recognises the value of defence force staff and their families to the region.
www.stuff.co.nz/manawatustandard/4834269a6003.html
