A more personal ANZAC day this year in Ōpōtiki

Ōpōtiki RSA is encouraging more personal and informal observance of ANZAC day this year, with formal parades and services cancelled.

Paeone Goonan is the President of the Ōpōtiki RSA. She said that it was important to help protect vulnerable veterans and the rest of the community as the Eastern Bay of Plenty is currently in the middle of the Omicron peak.

“I have talked to RSA members, and they were pleased with the announcement that our Opotiki RSA were not holding a formal, organised ANZAC Parade this year.

“But, of course, ANZAC day is still a significant day and we encourage people to observe this special day in their own way. There are quite a few options here in Ōpōtiki to do so, particularly with the broadcast service on local radio.

“Poppy Day poppies will be available in retail outlets from the Tuesday after Easter and on Friday 22 April, a local veteran will be on the main street selling poppies as well.

“We [the RSA] have been working closely with the schools and there is a wonderful range of children’s artwork about ANZAC day and what it means to them. We look forward to displaying these beautiful artworks on the walls over the coming weeks.

“The rotation of marae for the Dawn Parade will see Waioweka Marae remain in place for 2023,” Ms Goonan said.

Ōpōtiki Deputy Mayor, Shona Browne, said that there would be a number of local events and activities that will allow for people to commemorate ANZAC day in their own way.

“Sonia Edwards will be putting out small crosses at the Cenotaph again this year and it is always a very emotional display and recognition of the community’s wartime losses. The local radio station, Bridge FM, will have a short ANZAC programme on ANZAC morning including the Roll of Honour, hymns and of course the Last Post,” Deputy Mayor Browne said.

Councillor Louis Rapihana also confirmed that on the Coast, Te Mōtoi o Apanui ANZAC 2022 is being hosted by the hāpu of Te Whānau a Kaiaio. It is a virtual commemoration to those that served the community and the nation. Stories are being captured by the hāpu that will be shared over the Te Mōtai o Apanui Facebook page.

“While covid means we need to do things a bit differently this year, I expect for many of us, it will be a more personal marking of ANZAC Day than usual. So I would like to thank all those involved in organising these events and providing the community with different ways to acknowledge this special day,” Deputy Mayor Browne said.