Uniform granite signs for Far North services cemeteries

The entrance to the Far North's RSA cemeteries are taking on an impressive new look as a result of a Veterans' Affairs NZ initiative to mount granite plaques as a standard identification for services cemeteries across New Zealand.

The granite entrance signs were engraved and delivered at no cost the Far North District Council, thanks to the generosity of Veterans' Affairs, and are being installed by council contractors Downer EDI Ltd.

The first of the identification plaques have been mounted at the Kaikohe and Rawene cemeteries, and the plaques are expected to be in place at all 11 services cemeteries in the Far North before Anzac Day. This includes cemeteries at Kohukohu, Broadwood, Kaitaia, Totara North, Kaeo, Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Kawakawa.

The idea of standard signs across New Zealand follows the concept of uniformity adopted for Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries overseas. Some 186 cemeteries across New Zealand will benefit from the Veterans' Affairs project.

Print media caption: The new identification sign at Kaikohe cemetery. All RSA cemeteries in the Far North are expected to have the new granite signs before ANZAC Day.