REUNION 2027 – UPDATE #5

/ David

Our Kiwi classmates have progressed planning for next year’s reunion in Wellington. The arrangements have been made so that everyone can be together over the period of the main activities.

They have arranged accommodation and the two main functions at the West Plaza Hotel in central Wellington, 110 Wakefield St (Location, Comfort and Style in the heart of Wellington City | West Plaza Hotel | Hotels Wellington).  The advantages of this facility are:

  • Accommodation and main functions are at one place;
  • West Plaza is on the flat part of Wellington and easily accessible to sites of interest in the city;
  • There’s no need for vehicles as many tourist sites of interest are within walking distance;
  • West Plaza is a relatively short taxi ride from the airport;
  • It is a good quality hotel, in the mid-price bracket;
  • Retired NZ Gunners have used the hotel for one of their gatherings and recommend it.

Accommodation discount. See the details below.  Please note:

  • Please make your arrangements directly with the hotel, there’s no need to involve our planning group
  • The hotel booking reference code: RMC72 or RMC Duntroon 1972 Reunion
  • Rooms will be available at the arranged rate until 5 Nov 2027
  • The arranged rates do not apply if bookings are made by a travel agent or third-party website.   PS – that doesn’t mean, don’t stay there.

Outline programme:

  • Thursday 2 Dec 2027:
    • Arrival – presume most will get a taxi from the airport to the hotel;
    • Evening, 5pm: Registration and Meet-and-Greet in Meeting Room 3, West Plaza Hotel.
  • Friday 3 Dec:
    • Morning, say 10am:  meet at Te Papa Museum to view the excellent Gallipoli Exhibition followed by a lunch at a nearby café/restaurant;
    • Afternoon:  free.  Here’s a selection of easily accessible activities:  walk the waterfront; cable car and botanic garden; art galleries; ferry to Matiu/Somes Island; harbour cruises, not forgetting lots of bars.   Plus, others you’ll need a taxi for – Weta Workshop Experience and Zealandia (a native bird sanctuary);
    • Evening, 6:30pm:  dinner, Meeting Room 3, West Plaza.  Cost NZ $55 pp – they’ll take cash on Registration.
  • Saturday 4 Dec:  disperse.  Roger Simmons is happy to include golf for anyone who is interested and wants to stay on.

Admin:

  • Costs. They will take cash at Registration to cover incidentals, meeting room hire and meal costs.  (the nearest ATM is 300m from the hotel.)
  • Advice of attendance.  For those planning to attend, please advise your intensions as soon as you can but confirm when you’ve made your bookings to:
  • Final date.
    • In order to meet booking deadlines, final date to advise them of your attendance is Friday 12 Nov 2027.
    • Advise any special dietary requirements when you confirm with them.
    • Given that this is still 12 months away, and many things can change in that time, Mike will check in with people on his list around late October 2027.

Mike has tried to be as explicit as possible to minimise queries, but if anything doesn’t work as organised, please let him know at the address above (and copy in Bob & Roger)

Leave a Reply