Hastings dawn ceremony well attended

Crowds attended the Hastings ANZAC Dawn Service at the Hastings Cenotaph. Photo/John Cowpland / alphapix

An eerie fog added to the atmosphere at Hastings dawn ceremony which attracted an estimated crowd of 8000 - about four times the usual turnout.

Speakers at the ceremony, starting with the parade in the inky black at 5.20am, included mayor Lawrence Yule and Colonel Grant Motley.

Mr Yule reflected on the ANZAC spirit that had grown from the daunting task of fighting at Gallipoli 100 years ago.

Those who risked and lost their lives on that beach, and in other major battles including Messines, Passchendaele and the Battle of the Somme, showed "courage and compassion and compassion which we remember each ANZAC Day. The qualities that the ANZACs showed . . .have become known as the Spirit of the ANZAC and this spirit is etched forever in the hearts of New Zealanders."

"We should never forget what these men have done for our country, for our people. These men are gone, but their legend, their spirit, the spirit of the ANZACs lives on."

The parade at was led by light armoured vehicles, with the service proper starting at 5.30am, finishing at 6.05.

That ceremony was the start of a full morning of commemorations, including performances by the Deco Bay Napier Port Brass Bands, local vocalist Alec Wishart and the New Zealand String Quartet.

A highlight was the unveiling of the Major General Sir Andrew Russell statue, next to the cenotaph.

In World War I Napier-born Sir Andrew earned a fearsome reputation for his tactical skills, insistence on strict discipline, care for his men and his personal courage.

Under his leadership the New Zealand force was regarded as one of the finest in the allied army.

Russell St in Hastings is named for Sir Andrew one of Hawke's Bay's "most famous and admired sons" [Lawrence Yule's speech].

The dawn service and statue dedication were followed by the civic service at 10am.