Wairoa is getting ready to commemorate this year's ANZAC Day.

Mayor Craig Little says "Wairoa has a proud history of commemorating ANZAC Day. It’s a time for us to give thanks to our men and women who served in the military, and for us to also remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country".

"I want to invite our community to come along and commemorate ANZAC Day with us at all the various services throughout the district."

"It's a really special day. I remember being at the Mahia Dawn Service last year and seeing the constant stream of cars arriving into Kaiuku Marae. I am always proud to see our community turn out to commemorate ANZAC Day."

"Wairoa will host Petty Officer Nicholas Tickner from the Australian Navy representing the Australian Defence Forces and Major Sergai Davis from the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, representing the New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF) at this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations."

A number of ANZAC Day services will be planned throughout the district and Mayor Little wants to encourage as many people as possible to attend.

"I want to thank all those involved in organising ANZAC Day services and commemorations throughout the district."

"In particular, members of the Wairoa and Mahia RSAs."

"There were a number of services last week where our Wairoa RSA members went around to schools to talk to our young people about the importance of ANZAC Day."

"It's important that our young people understand the importance of this part of our history. The service and sacrifice that was made by Wairoa men and women and for our young people to remember."

"I want to thank all those family and friends who organise other services throughout the district as well."

"When I was at the Civic Service last year I was moved by the strength of some of our older veterans who because of their age find it increasingly difficult to participate in ANZAC Day services, but they will still stand with their comrades to remember some of their friends that they lost in war."

"We have put a new ramp in at the War Memorial to make it easier for our older veterans to participate, because I know that ANZAC Day is so important to them," says Mr Little.

Wairoa District ANZAC Day Services and Commemorations
5.30am - Mahia ANZAC Day Dawn Service (Parade forms along roadway)
5.45am - Dawn Service begins, Kaiuku Marae, Mahia

8.45am - Frasertown ANZAC Day Service (Parade forms at the Frasertown Tavern)
9.00am - Frasertown ANZAC Day Parade & Service

9.00am - Taihoa Marae ANZAC Day Service, Taihoa Marae, Mahia Ave, Wairoa

10.30am - Wreath laying at the Wairoa Cemetery (This is a private ceremony involving only the Official Party)

10.45am - Wairoa ANZAC Day Civic Service (Parade forms at the Wairoa Star)
11.00am - Wairoa ANZAC Day Parade
11.15am - Wairoa ANZAC Day Civic Service begins, War Memorial Hall, Queen Street, Wairoa

-Ends-

For more information:

Kitea Tipuna
Communications
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309

21 April 2017

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