My Account
After two years of official ANZAC services being disrupted due to the Christchurch mosque attacks and Covid-19, the region’s service and parade organisers are looking forward to a return to normal this year. Matakana School got the ball rolling on April 9, when students gathered at the village war memorial to lay a wreath and pay their tributes to those who served. For a full guide to local services, see below.
After two years of cancellations due to the Christchurch mosque attacks and Covid-19, official Anzac Day parades and services are set to be back in full swing this year. Stand at Dawn will be happening again this year and is expected to be broadcast on TV and radio for people who cannot attend services.
Upper Waiwera
The service will take place at the cenotaph at 711 Weranui Road and begin at 2.30pm. There will be poems and readings, followed by afternoon tea at 1 McCathie Road.
Puhoi
This year’s service is run by the Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade and will be held at the Puhoi Memorial Domain at 9.30am. The service will include readings from Richard Hern and ex-Navy serviceman Oliver Furneaux playing bugle. Refreshments will served afterwards at Centennial Hall in Puhoi Road.
Algies Bay
The Amberlea Rest Home will participate in the Stand at Dawn at 6am and there will be a service at 1pm for residents and families. A bugler will play the Last Post.
Warkworth
The dawn service will begin with parade assembly at 5.45am. The service will take place at the cenotaph at 6am, followed by breakfast at the RSA. The civic service parade will start at 10.15am, and the service itself will begin at 10.30am, also at the cenotaph. It will include speeches from Mahurangi College’s head boy and head girl. This will be followed by a morning tea for a gold coin donation at the RSA, where the Mahurangi College kapa haka group and the Warkworth Big Band will perform. Warkworth Lions will also have a sausage sizzle outside the RSA. If wet, at Warkworth Fire Station.
Matakana
Parade assembly will be at 9.45am at the Matakana roundabout, led by piper Ross Hetherington, followed by a service at the Matakana War Memorial at 10am. The service will feature retired gunner Coll Bell, Jon Dykes and guitarist Claude Poulsen. The Matakantata Choir will perform.
Leigh
A parade led by the Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade will assemble at 10.45am, which families are welcome to join, and march to the Leigh Cemetery on Harbour View Road for the service at 11am. Children and grandchildren are welcome to wear service medals. Tea will be provided at the Leigh Bowling Club. If wet, at the Leigh Community Hall.
Kawau Island
The service will take place at Kawau Boating Club at 12.30pm.
Wellsford
Parade assembly will take place at 5.45am at 1 Point Albert Road, followed by a parade and service at the Wellsford War Memorial Library carpark from 6am. It will include poetry by seniors from Wellsford Primary School. Tea and coffee at the Wellsford RSA after the service, and a Champagne breakfast at 9am (bookings required). Live entertainment from Wellsford Primary School and musician Martin Worthington. The Wellsford War Memorial Library will also have a Community Remembrance Wall.
Hakaru
Assembly at 10.15am for the 10.30am service at the Hakaru RSA. Tea and refreshments will be served afterwards.
Matakohe/Paparoa
Fall-in is at 10.30am in front of Matakohe War Memorial Hall followed by a march to the RSA flagstaff and cemetery, then on to the World War I Memorial for wreath laying, and back to the Volunteer Hall inside The Kauri Museum for the civic service at around 11.15am. Dr. Tracey Wedge will speak and the Last Post will be played on guitar by a local student. The service will be followed by tea and refreshments.
Maungaturoto
Assembly at 5.45am for the dawn service at 6am at the Centennial Hall. A horse will be ridden by a soldier wearing a World War I Mounted Rifle uniform. The service will be followed by a free light breakfast at the RSA. There will also be a brunch available at noon.
