“Not just where the guns are — but where the Gunners are.”

Operation Ubique is a national initiative of the Royal New Zealand Artillery Association (RNZAA) aimed at locating, preserving, and caring for artillery pieces on public display throughout New Zealand. From coastal memorials to rural RSA lawns and council parks, these guns are part of our national heritage — but many are suffering from long exposure to the elements, vandalism, or simple neglect.

Only those who have worked with guns truly understand their construction, their dignity, and the respect they command. That’s why Operation Ubique calls on Gunners — those who once stood beside these weapons in service — to now stand for their preservation in peace.

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, dozens of artillery pieces — 25-pounders, L5s, 105s, 6-pounders, 5.5s and more — sit exposed. Many have no formal custodianship. The RNZAA has stepped in to:

This is not about turning every memorial into a museum piece — it’s about honouring the service and memory these weapons represent.

While the guns are the focus, the real power of Operation Ubique is in its people.

Many of the volunteers who turn out for these weekends — often informal gatherings with wire brushes, paint, and a brew — are themselves facing hard times. Retirement, isolation, or life’s knocks can take their toll. But a weekend alongside fellow Gunners, with the familiar smell of oil and rust and the banter of shared experience, can be a powerful tonic.

Operation Ubique rekindles the camaraderie that was once daily bread in the Regiment. It gives purpose, fellowship, and a reminder: you’re not alone, and you’re not forgotten.

The Royal Artillery’s motto, shared by our own RNZA, is Ubique — Everywhere. And so it is:

Operation Ubique is as much about connection as it is about conservation. It reminds us that the Regiment never really ends — it just changes form.

The restoration of the Christchurch Memorial RSA (CMRSA) M101A1 105mm Howitzer gun was initiated in April 2025 by the Southern Gunners Maintenance Unit and Godley Head Heritage Trust. Restoring the CMRSA gun to the same standard as the Southern Gunners’ M101A1 gun is the goal.

The team has made significant progress, including removing trail locks and welds, clearing the barrel of welds, advancing the removal of breechblock welds and associated parts, and successfully releasing the elevation gear. After being welded shut for years, the gun can now be raised and lowered thanks to a freed-up elevation and traverse gear.

The team also kept working on the breech and elevation gear for the Southern Gunners M101A1.

“After many years as a pair of gate guardians in the Christchurch CBD, it’s great to see both guns together again,” says project manager Alex Smith.

The Southern Gunners Maintenance Unit consists of ex-3rd Field Regiment RNZA gunners, ex-serving soldiers from other artillery units, and those with a passion for heritage, guns and engineering. Every month, the unit gets together to connect, network and perform maintenance and repair operations on local guns. Contact us to get involved!