Tuatapere and Orawia Honour ANZAC Day 2025

Tuatapere and Orawia communities gathered in strong numbers to mark ANZAC Day 2025 with deep respect and remembrance.

The day began at 7am with the Dawn Service at the Orawia Cenotaph, 2256 Ohai-Clifden Highway. In the stillness of a dark and foggy morning, attendees waited quietly for the sunrise. Grey Wilson’s haunting bugle calls provided poignant moments of reflection, setting a solemn tone to honour those who served and sacrificed.

Special thanks are extended to the children of Hauroko Valley Primary School, who proudly represented their school at the Dawn Service, and to Fiona for creating the beautiful floral tribute laid on behalf of the school.

The service included the traditional three-gun salute, known as the "Volley Fire" or "Three-Volley Salute," a powerful symbol of respect that traces back to battlefield traditions where three shots signalled that the fallen had been honoured. The salute was carried out by four men, each firing a single shot in unison.

Later, at 10am, the community reconvened at the Tuatapere RSA Hall on Main Street. Inside, the hall was adorned with Anzac-themed art created by students from Waiau Area School, a visible reminder of the next generation's connection to New Zealand’s history. Students from both Hauroko Valley Primary School and Waiau Area School attended the service in full school uniform, honouring the memory of those who served.

RSA President Chris Johnson led the ceremony, with lay preacher Les Smart delivering heartfelt words and guest speaker, returned serviceman Pat Hibbs, sharing reflections that resonated deeply with all in attendance. Both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems were sung with pride, reinforcing the close bonds between our nations and the spirit of ANZAC.

The service also included tributes to two cherished members of the RSA community: Treasurer Margaret Thomas, who sadly passed away on 10 April 2025, and RSA member Bryan Win. Their dedicated service to the Tuatapere RSA and wider community was warmly remembered.

Congratulations were extended to Jay Egerton, this year's recipient of the Tuatapere Armed Services Memorial Bursary Trust award, recognising her commitment and achievement.

Following the service, the traditional street parade took place, led by the stirring music of the Waimatuku Highland Pipe Band. The march proceeded from the RSA Hall to the War Memorial Library. Among those marching were the Tuatapere volunteer firemen, proudly in full uniform, and Lea Kollat, representing the Royal New Zealand Navy in her naval uniform, both exemplifying the spirit of service.

Grey Wilson’s bugle once again echoed across the War Memorial Library grounds, reinforcing the day's themes of sacrifice and remembrance. Pat and Rex Hibbs carried out the important duty of raising and lowering the flags at both the Dawn Service and the Memorial Library ceremony, a symbolic gesture representing respect, mourning, and remembrance. Local schoolchildren, each carrying a white cross symbolising a fallen soldier from our district, added to the solemnity and emotional impact of the event.

While the number of returned servicemen is steadily declining, attendance at ANZAC Day services continues to grow, and this year’s turnout was larger than in previous years. It was heartening to see so many families, students, and community members coming together to ensure the sacrifices of our servicemen and women are never forgotten.

The Tuatapere ANZAC commemorations were a true reflection of unity, remembrance, and community pride. A huge thank you to RSA Secretary John Munro and all those involved in organising and supporting the day’s events, ensuring they were carried out with the dignity and respect the occasion deserves.

“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

Lest we forget.”