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People from around Mahurangi will come together on Friday, April 25 for dawn services, marches and remembrance events to celebrate the time-honoured Anzac Day tradition.
First observed in 1916, the Anzac Day Act made April 25 a public holiday in 1920 to commemorate those who died in World War I.
However, now the day honours all New Zealanders who have served in wars overseas including current and returned service personnel.
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) memorials are a cornerstone of our national identity and reflect on the profound impact of war on families and communities.
The holiday is an invaluable opportunity for younger generations to learn about and reflect on the sacrifices that were made by their forebears so that they are not forgotten over time.
Anzac Day services in Rodney:
Warkworth
The Warkworth & Districts RSA will hold a Dawn Service at 6am (fall in at 5.45am), starting at the band rotunda on Church Hill opposite the fire station and finishing with a parade back to the RSA in Neville Street. A cooked breakfast will be served from 7.30am onwards at the RSA’s Gunners Restaurant, $16 per person. The Civic Service is at 10.30am (fall in at 10.10am) starting at the band rotunda on Church Hill and finishing with a parade back to the RSA in Neville Street. The morning will conclude with a morning tea at the RSA from 11.45am onwards. Gold coin appreciated.
Matakana
The Matakana Anzac Day service will be held at the war memorial on Matakana Road opposite Harcourts starting at 10am and finishing at 10.30am. At 9.50am there will be a parade from the Matakana roundabout to the memorial for current and returned service personnel. Local singer and musician Andy Richards will be performing Pō Atarau (Now is the Hour) in both Māori and English at the service.
Wellsford
Wellsford will celebrate Anzac Day with a dawn parade, which will assemble outside the Caltex gas station on Port Albert Road at 5.45am. The march will proceed up Port Albert Road to the memorial gates of the Wellsford Library nearby and the service will start at 6am. If you wish to lay a wreath you will need to send the Wellsford RSA your details so it can be called out at the service. Afterwards there will be hot food and drinks at the RSA with kids from Wellsford School reading poems and stories inspired by the Anzacs, and the students’ art will also be on display. There will be a champagne breakfast at 9am and entertainment throughout the day.
Leigh
The Leigh Anzac Day service will begin with fall-in on Harbour View Road at 10.50am. The parade will be led by the Leigh Volunteer Fire Service and make its way to Leigh Cemetery where the service will start at 11am. At the conclusion of the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the Leigh Bowling Club. All welcome.
Kawau Island
The Kawau Island Boating Club Anzac Day tribute will be held at the clubhouse in Bon Accord Harbour. The service starts at midday, with attendees asked to arrive early, and finishes at approximately 1pm with speeches to honour fallen service personnel followed by nibbles and a get-together. Everyone welcome.
