Lest we forget: Anzac Day services across the Far North
Communities throughout Te Tai Tokerau are preparing to honour Anzac Day this Friday April 25th, with numerous services planned across the region.
First observed in 1916, Anzac Day was originally established to commemorate the lives lost by New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Gallipoli. Since then, Anzac Day has evolved into a day of remembrance for all who have served and sacrificed their lives in the conflicts New Zealand has participated in.
In the Far North, over 30 services have been organised for those wishing to pay tribute. Services start at 5.30am in Ōtaua, followed by 5.45am services in Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Mitimiti. Many other services are being held around the Far North which can be found below.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.
Far North Anzac services
This list of services includes information received by council or according to Returned and Services Association (RSA) website. We also encourage people to check with their local RSA or community Facebook pages as well.
Bay of Islands – Whangaroa
Kāeo – 6am dawn service at Whangaroa Memorial Hall; 10am community service.
Kawakawa – 6am dawn service at Johnson Park Cenotaph; 9am civic service.
Kerikeri – 5.45am dawn service at Kerikeri Domain; 9.45am civic service at Kerikeri Domain.
Motatau – 10am at Takapuna Urupā.
Paihia – 6.20am at Paihia waterfront.
Russell – 6.45am assemble for 7am dawn service at Te Rawhiti Marae; 9.30am long beach memorial service at Russell Cemetery; 11am civic service at Russell Village Green.
Waimate North – 5am at Tauwhara Marae.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds – 5pm Anzac Day commemorative evening service. Free entry and access via Hobson Memorial Gate from 4pm.
Kaikohe – Hokianga
Broadwood – 11am civil service at AMP Hall.
Hōreke – 6am community service at Horeke Hall.
Kaikohe – 5.45am dawn service, assemble at New World carpark before proceeding to Kaikohe Memorial Hall.
Kohukohu – 6am at Kohukohu Memorial.
Mitimiti – 5.45am at Te Kura o Mātihetihe
Motukaraka – 10am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Ōkaihau – 11am at Ōkaihau Community Hall.
Ōpononi – 11am at Manea Footsteps of Kupe carpark.
Ōtaua – 5.30am at Pukerata Marae.
Panguru – 6am at Hato Pētera Church, Panguru.
Rāwene – 9am at Rāwene RSA Cemetery.
Waimā – 8am at Waimā Monument.
Whirinaki – 6am at Whirinaki Memorial Monument.
Te Hiku
Herekino – 10.30am civic service at Herekino Memorial Hall.
Houhora – 11am at Houhora Cemetery.
Kaitāia – 6am Dawn Service at Remembrance Park.
Karikari – 11am at Karikari Community Hall.
Mangōnui – 11am civil service at Waterfront Dr War Memorial.
Te Kao – 11am at Potahi Marae and War Memorial.
Main photo - The laying of wreaths in Kerikeri. Photo credit: RNZ