Mountain tragedy remembered

Mt. Ruapehu. Photo / NZ Herald

The 20th anniversary of one of New Zealand's worst alpine tragedies will be remembered at a formal commemorative ceremony tomorrow.

Five soldiers and a naval rating died when 11 trainees and two army instructors were caught in a blizzard on Mount Ruapehu.

They were unable to reach the safety of an emergency hut just 200m away, and had no radio equipment to raise the alarm.

Privates Brett Barker, Stuart McAlpine, Mark Madigan, Jason Menhennet and David Stewart and Naval Rating Jeffrey Boult died before they could be rescued.

Privates Brendon Burchell, Sonny Turere and David Stewart were awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal for their actions. Pvte Stewart died during the incident and his medal was awarded posthumously.

A commemorative service will start at 11am tomorrow at the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, Whakapapa.

Colonel Lofty Hayward, who was the soldiers' commanding officer at the time, and family members will be speaking at the ceremony.

- NZPA