Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps

Centenary 1908 - 2008

Message from Chief of Army

To all ranks of the Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps, both past and present, on behalf of the wider New Zealand Army, I would like to congratulate you on this occasion the 100th anniversary of the official founding of your Corps.

Although your official birthday dates from the year 1908, it is worth noting that your Corps was already in existence and providing support to the New Zealand Army before then, both at home and overseas.

Since your official establishment in 1908, you have continued to provide distinguished support to the Army: at home during peacetime, natural disasters and civil emergencies; and overseas in such theatres as Egypt, Gallipoli, France, Flanders, Palestine, Greece, Crete, North Africa, Italy, the South Pacific, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, Bougainville, East Timor, Indonesia and Afghanistan. You have provided support in times of peace and in times of war, in times of peace support operations, disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

We are indeed fortunate in the New Zealand Army to have the support of a Medical Corps which is so renowned for its high standard of professionalism. We are also fortunate to have the support of a Corps which continues to bring into service so many prominent New Zealanders from all walks of medical life. In fact, your Corps is adorned with the names of many eminent men and women of the New Zealand medical profession. This has meant much to us as we have worked to maintain the high level of combat readiness and morale of the New Zealand Army. As history has aptly demonstrated, soldiers who are well supported medically tend to have a greater willingness to fight and put themselves in harms way - something we ask our personnel to do on a daily basis.

For your record of distinguished and meritorious service, we express to you our most heartfelt thanks and congratulations. In the difficult days that lie ahead I am confident that the RNZAMC will not be found wanting in maintaining the proud tradition of service which it has so worthily established over the past 100 years.

Major General Louis J.Gardiner, ONZM
Chief of Army

Download Official Copy of Chief of Army's Letter to RNZAMC

Centennial Celebrations

To celebrate the 100th year of medical service the Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps (RNZAMC) will conduct a centennial week over the period 8 - 13July 2008 at Palmerston North.

A range of activities are programmed with members past and present and the public invited to attend. Go to the programme of events at this page.  To register download a registration form at this page

RNZAMC Centennial Committee

Brigadier Anne Campbell - Regimental Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Dunn - Director Army Health
Lieutenant Colonel Oiroa Kaihau
Major Brendan Wood
Major Peter Jacobs
Major Char Pene - Public Relations
Captain Wendy McEwan - Coordinator
Ms Nicola Peretini - Administration