Young and old packed the Waipawa Municipal Theatre for Central Hawke's Bay Anzac service. It was followed by a parade to the cenotaph for a wreath and poppy laying.
Hundreds of people attended Anzac Day services across Central Hawke's Bay today to pay their respects and remember those who fought in the two world wars and other conflicts since.
Dawn services were held in Waipukurau and Otane, which attracted about 300 people apiece, on a chilly but fine morning.
Waipukurau Returned and Services Association president Janet Castell said more younger veterans came this year, joining a march that included military personnel, the Ruahine Cadets, local Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies, and members of the public.
Former CHB district councillor Terry Kingston officiated at the Tikokino service to which between 220 and 250 people turned up. In a break from tradition the Reveille and Last Post were played on violins.
Nearly 400 people marked the day at Waipawa, where a service was held at the CHB Municipal Theatre before a parade, led by the Napier pipe band, to the cenotaph.
Morris Meha attended the CHB service. Photo / Warren Buckland
In recognition of it being 100 years since the end of World War I, CHB College principal Lance Christiansen gave a civic address and talked about the loss of lives at the Western Front - about 12,500 Kiwi soldiers, or 5 per cent of New Zealand's total population at the time.
He noted that the conflict changed how New Zealand saw itself as a country, and also heralded many changes in society including medical improvements and technological advances.
"Their sacrifices have inspired us to be proud of who we are ... and the physical reminders of war are in nearly every town from war memorials to street names - everyday reminders of what was lost and learned."
Reverend John Flavell also spoke about the significance of Anzac Day.
"It honours the Anzac spirit and values such as courage, compassion, friendship and endurance - qualities that help us as communities here in Central Hawke's Bay and in New Zealand and Australia - qualities that can help us when we face difficulties so we can support each other in times of crisis."
Waipawa School ambassadors Tom Burne and Ella Malcolm read excerpts from In Flanders Fields, a 1915 poem by John McCrae, and all attending were invited to lay wreaths and poppies at the cenotaph at the end of the service.
Poppy laying at the Cenotaph in CHB. Photo / Warren Buckland.
Next year the Waipawa and Districts RSA will mark 100 years of being in existence on May 25, and the organisers of the celebration are calling on anyone who has memorabilia, photos or other items to share to get in touch.
People can contact event co-ordinator Terry Kingston 06 8578392 or 0211563982 or email terrykingston@xtra.co.nz.
