Feilding marks 20 years of military tradition
Manchester Square will be the setting for a special military tradition on Wednesday 11 November, when the Deployable Health Organisation holds a formal Charter Parade to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the unit being granted the Freedom of the Town.
The public is invited to come along and witness the ceremonial parade, which celebrates the longstanding relationship between the Manawatū District and the New Zealand Defence Force's Deployable Health Organisation.
The parade will commence at 10.45am from Manawatū District Council Administration office on Manchester Street, making its way towards the Cenotaph in Manchester Square, where formalities will take place.
Along the route, the parade will pause at the Manchester and Bowen Street roundabout for the traditional Town of Feilding Challenge, before continuing to the cenotaph for a ceremony that will include the signing of the Charter and an address from the Mayor.
The ceremony will also recognise Armistice Day, with a two-minute silence at 11am to remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives.
First presented in 2006, the Charter formally grants New Zealand Defence Force's Deployable Health Organisation personnel the privilege of marching through the streets of Feilding with drums beating, colours flying, bayonets fixed and swords drawn.
This ceremonial honour recognises the Organisation's proud history of service and traditions, while celebrating the ongoing connection between military personnel and the Feilding community.
Mayor Michael Ford says the anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge both the significance of the Charter and the relationship it represents.
"Twenty years on, the Charter continues to represent the strong relationship between our district and the military, and we're pleased to welcome the parade back to the streets of Feilding."
Members of the public are encouraged to gather along Manchester Street or at Manchester Square to watch the parade and ceremony.
Event details
- Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Parade begins: 10.45am, Manchester Street, Feilding
- Formal ceremony: From approximately 10.55am at the Cenotaph, Manchester Square
- Parade concludes: Approximately 11.35am
The event is free and open to the public.