Sir Peter’s tank takes aim at Cambridge

A giant WWI tank is making an appearance in Cambridge as part of Armistice Day this year.

The tank is a replica made by movie director Sir Peter Jackson and will be transported from Wellington for the annual event.

It will be the main feature at this year’s Armistice in Cambridge event, on November 12 and 13, at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro.

‘‘You wouldn’t know it’s a replica, it’s perfect,’’ said chairman Paul Watkins.

On the Sunday, November 12, it will be part of a re-enactment of the Battle of the Somme, as that’s when tanks were first used in the war.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and so navy personel will be at the lake side event with a vessel.

For the first time last year, children’s activities were the focus of the event, and they proved to be popular.

‘‘We’re bringing them back this year, but making it even bigger. There’s about 20 things for them to do, and if they complete seven of them they will earn a set of corporal stripes,’’ said Watkins.

If the children complete another seven, they earn a RNZN badge as well.

The range of activities includes shooting air-soft guns, using bow and arrows, launching catapults, battling in the trench, obstacle courses, and much more.

‘‘Last year we had kids coming for both days, and we even had some 54-year-old kids,’’ Watkins laughed.

‘‘So it really is for ‘kids’ of all ages.’’

Romans, vikings and soldiers will be performing re-enactments throughout both days, there will be an extensive number of military vehicles and boats, and air displays.

‘‘We’ve tried to widen it this year because we have been approached by different groups wanting to be a part of it, like a group with vintage tractors from that period,’’ said Watkins.

About 100 scouts from Auckland are coming down for the event, as well as large groups of cadets.

‘‘I think they are using it as their big annual outing.’’

In the Don Rowlands Centre, the annual militaria market will take place.

‘‘It’s the best collection of dealers in the country,’’ he said.

Armistice in Cambridge will run from 9am - 4pm on November 12 and 13.