Navy triumph in inaugural Tower De Force challenge

The inaugural Tower De Force challenge on the eve of Poppy Day delivered an action packed afternoon that was exciting, challenging and inspiring.

In what promised to be a nail biting final, the team of six from the Royal New Zealand Navy fought off the competition to take home the trophy and have the honour of lighting the Sky Tower with the poppy emblem for Poppy and Anzac Day.

SKYCITY’s Tower De Force challenge featured a military skills course, an emergency first aid scenario, climb up 1,226 stairs, 91 metre mast climb and pushing a nearly 7 tonne army vehicle before raising the team flag.

The timed relay challenge showcased the strength, determination and grit of the six teams from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Veterans, St John New Zealand and SKYCITY.

The funds raised from Tower De Force will go to the Auckland RSA’s Annual Poppy Day Appeal, to support New Zealand veterans, their families and dependents. Donations can be made at www.aucklandrsa.co.nz.

The Sky Tower will be lit with the Poppy from 20 - 25 April to commemorate Anzac Day and support the Auckland RSA's Annual Poppy Appeal.

SKYCITY has supported the Auckland RSA and Poppy Day and Anzac Day commemorations since 2012. Since 2014, the Sky Tower has projected a large Poppy on to the Sky Tower for Poppy Week and Anzac Day.