Mayor invites residents to Anzac Day commemorations

Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters will host this year’s annual Anzac Day Civic Memorial Service, at the Rotorua Convention Centre on Sunday 25 April, at 9.30am.

The service, commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings by New Zealand and Australian combined military forces, will be held in the centre’s Banquet Room, and relayed to a large screen in the foyer.

Last year around 700 people attended the memorial service.

The address will be given by retired yeoman warder Patrick Nolan. Father Mark Field of St Michael’s and St Mary’s churches will be the officiating minister.

Also in the official party will be RSA president Peter Gallacher, Te Arawa Maori Returned Services League president Piwiki Heke, and Mayor Kevin Winters and Mayoress Sue Winters.

A parade of service personnel, school parties, cadet corps and local community groups will meet at the Lakefront at the intersection of Whakaue and Fenton Streets at 8.50am. At 9am they will march via Government Gardens to the Convention Centre, arriving at 9.20am. The parade commander is Captain Roly Rolston.

Mayor Winters says he is encouraging locals to attend the service to show their support for the heroic efforts of the New Zealand and Australian military forces.

“It’s an important opportunity for local residents to come together to honour those who have gone before and whom we have to thank for the lifestyle and privileges we are able to enjoy in this country today.”