The Royal New Zealand Army will receive its new King’s and regimental colours next week when two young officers carry them at Burnham Military Camp on October 31.

Lieutenant Mikayla Bigwood, of Tauranga, is one of the duo and said it will be an honour to carry the new King’s Colour and be part of the battalion’s history.

The parade is a significant moment for the second and first battalion of the Royal New Zealand New Infantry Regiment and the whole of the Royal New Zealand Army, Bigwood said.

“This is something that not everyone will get to experience,” she said.

“I am proud to carry the new King’s Colour alongside the new Regimental Colours.”

Lieutenant Mikayla Bigwood, of Tauranga, prepares for the colour ceremony.

The new colours will replace those presented to the battalion in 1980. They symbolise a regiment’s spirit, identity, and historical significance during ceremonial parades.

Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, will present the colours on behalf of King Charles III.

These are the first colours presented to the New Zealand Defence Force during the King’s reign and the first presented to any New Zealand Army unit since 1997.

The new Regimental Colour features eight new battle honours, six of which have never been displayed on any other New Zealand infantry flag.

Lieutenant Zane Blackman, from Kāpiti Coast, joins Bigwood as the second officer and will honour the ceremonial flag in front of veterans and dignitaries from across New Zealand.

“This is a tremendous honour with significant importance. The great responsibility placed on all of us flag bearers is not lost,” Blackman said.

“The opportunity to carry a new colour presented to the second and first division of the Royal New Zealand New Infantry Regiment is one I hold in high regard.”

Lieutenant Zane Blackman rehearses ahead of the change of colours parade.

Both Colour Ensigns said there will be plenty of drill practice leading up to the day to ensure everything goes smoothly.

“I have had some time to read through the parade sequence and revise on the formal Colour Ensign drill, and we have been conducting a lot of drill practice and rehearsal to prepare for the parade,” Bigwood said.