Retiring Honorary Colonel - A Class Act

By Major Syd Dewes

The Dame, she is a class act and we are going to really miss her. I speak of none other than former Governor General and Commander in Chief, the Honorable Dame Catherine Tizard, ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO, DStJ.

Lt Col Chris Powell and Hon Col Dame Cath Tizard (AW-11-1026-1).

Dame Cath recently retired as Honorary Colonel for the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion Group, after having taken up the appointment in October 2007. Nothing about her was an act per se - she was always a straight shooter, genuine, and quick to see the humorous side of things. Known affectionately as Dame Cath, we, soldiers and officers alike, thoroughly enjoyed her lively personality, great stories, and the ease with which she connected with everyone. Her visits to the Battalion were always occasions we looked forward to; if nothing else you were at least guaranteed a laugh; such was the ease with which we mixed and enjoyed each other's company. We have been proud to have her as our Honorary Colonel and an example of our immense respect for her was evident at her farewell when the formalities were concluded with a spontaneous waiata, led by Captain Barry Samu.

The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Chris Powell was particularly sad he was not present at her farewell - he is currently serving in Timor Leste as the ISF Deputy Commander - but he had this to say.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't there to thank Dame Cath personally for being part of the Auckland Army family. I did so enjoy every meeting we had, or occasion we shared, without exception. Her presence and appointment as our Honorary Colonel added mana and strengthened our relationship with the communities of Auckland and Northland. Her attendance at Anzac Day services at Ranfurly Veterans' Home helped promote the Veterans' Home and has always been a source of much pride and appreciation from the veterans.

"Dame Cath represented us so well at the many levels she networked with in Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. She was also a great help and source of advice when discussions first took place about how we could make a documentary about the Auckland Regiment soldier who was found on the Somme. I feel very fortunate to have been the Commanding Officer with her as our Honorary Colonel when the Battalion's written history was launched.

"It's a sad thing about the Army that we have our jobs (Honorary Colonels too!) for only 3 or so years and then we must make room for a successor - we make so many good friends and then must move on. The good thing though, is that we keep those friends and we will stay in touch with Dame Cath.

"We are all the richer in values, stronger in character and indebted to her for sharing her good name, her reputation, status and mana with us."

No reira Dame Cath, ngā mihi rā mō ngā rā kei mua i te aroaro - all the best for the future Dame Cath.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Grant Ellis ED, RNZIR, a former Commanding Officer of the 'Aucks' (1994 - 1997) takes over as the next Honorary Colonel - welcome back, Sir!