Memorial restoration marked

The Wharehine community, as well as the descendants of World War I and II soldiers, paid their respects and gave thanks for the restoration of the War Memorial and surrounding plaza on Anzac Day.

The memorial, which overlooks the Oruawharo River basin, was built more than a century ago.

Restoration started six months ago after it became difficult to read the names of those honoured.

The project was partly funded by an Auckland Council Regional Historic Heritage Grant, with assistance from more than 30 volunteers and businesses. In particular, organisers thanked Wharehine Contractors, Firth Concrete, Scottish Stone Masons, Decks and Renovations, Nathan Clark, Pah Hill Developments, Tony Hayward and Clyde Tukaiora Connell.

The Anzac ceremony included the arrival of horses Dora and Joey, ridden by Joanna and Eliza Rusher, representing WWI Mounted Rifles. Bagpiper Trent Jones announced the start of the service, which was led by Wharehine Community Hall chair Dr Clare Joensen, supported by Matua Pene Hita, RSA representative Kevin Berry, Albertland Heritage Museum representative Rob Lennon and Colin Stables, on behalf of the families.

Joensen made particular mention of those named on the monument and the rural mothers and families, who had to endure the consequences of seeing their loved ones leave their farms for dangers and destinations unknown.

Respects were paid to local members of the 28th Māori Battalion A Company and the Rodney Mounted Rifles. The drill ground for the mounted rifles in the early 1900s was near the monument and the Kaipara Harbour.

The service was followed by a traditional rural hall afternoon tea, scones and banter.