26 Apr 2009

Thousands turn out for Anzac Day services

4:25 pm on 26 April 2009

Anzac Day services across the country have drawn thousands of people, with rain and strong wind failing to deter crowds in Auckland and more than 8,000 attending the dawn service in Christchurch.

On the 94th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, Prime Minister John Key joined military officials, veterans, their families and members of the public at a remembrance ceremony at the Wellington Cenotaph.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II, and Mr Key says the remaining veterans are living links to formative events in New Zealand's history.

"It is a privilege to be in the presence of some of our veterans today and to be in the presence of your children and your grandchildren," he said.

"I am inspired to see the large numbers of young New Zealanders who are standing shoulder to shoulder with those who fought in these times of war."

Among the scores of veterans was Harry Holden, 87, who served in North Africa and Italy during World War II.

He says his grandchildren - three of whom were at the ceremony - feel let down if he doesn't go to the commemorations, and he attends to honour friends who died in the war.

Australian Defence attache to New Zealand, Group Captain Peter Bennett, told the gathering that Anzac Day is not about glorifying war, but celebrating national spirit. He said it is a day of continuing significance for young and old.

Thousands attended the service at the cenotaph in the Auckland Domain despite wet and windy weather. Many in the crowd were young children.

The bad weather affected the sound system and prevented a big screen being mounted, while a scheduled fly-over by an Air Force Hercules was cancelled because the plane was being repaired.

In Hamilton, veterans marched across the bridge to Memorial Park where about 3,000 attended the service beside the floodlit cenotaph.

A contingent of World War II veterans led the dawn parade into Cathedral Square in Christchurch. More than 8,000 people packed the square for the service led by Canterbury Malayan Veteran's Association president Paul Tau.

Canterbury RSA vice-president Kevin Brown said it was heartening to see so many young people taking part.

Air Force planes flew over the Wairarapa village of Tinui where New Zealand's first Anzac commemoration service was held in 1916.

More than 300 people, including several veterans and 65 Air Force representatives were at the wreath-laying ceremony. Altogether 48 people from Tinui lost their lives in the two world wars.

Lance Cameron of Wellington felt that Tinui was an appropriate place to mark ANZAC Day for those who couldn't make it to Gallipoli.

A 200-strong group of Niueans gathered in South Auckland to commemorate Anzac Day.

The service was organised by the Mutalau Ululauta Matahefonua Trust.

Its chair Peni Vaha said 150 men from Niue volunteered for World War I many of them dying in the process.