Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Seven military bands likely to be cut

Updated at 9:24 pm on 27 January 2012

The Defence Force has confirmed it proposes to scrap seven of its 10 military bands.

A consultation document was put out this week outlining the proposal to cut funding for seven Territorial Force bands.

A Defence Force spokesperson says it plans to continue funding only its Army, Navy and Air Force bands in one of many initiatives to meet its budget.

The New Zealand branch of the International Military Music Society says cutting the bands will be a big loss for the country.

Spokesperson Bob Davis says the seven bands under threat serve an important role and perform at about 400 events every year.

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