Memorial entrance constructed at Ōtaki Services Cemetery

At the Otaki Services Cemetery entrance are Rupene Waaka (left), John Taylor, John Brown and Ray Potter. Photo / David Haxton

A memorial entrance for the Ōtaki Services Cemetery has been officially opened.

A dedication ceremony took place on Wednesday which was also Armistice Day.

"The Ōtaki Services Cemetery is a visible recognition of the people who served and gave their lives, during the various campaigns, and to those who died after their service," Ōtaki RSA President Mike Fogarty said.

The RSA had been working with Veterans Affairs, which has a national responsibility for war graves, the Kāpiti Coast District Council, which maintains the cemetery, local iwi, and the community to develop the services section of the Ōtaki cemetery.

"The completion and dedication of the memorial entrance is a lasting memorial and commemoration of 100 years of service to the area by the Ōtaki and District Memorial RSA.

"This is a public cemetery and the services sections is an integral part of the area.

Memorial entrance at Ōtaki Services Cemetery. Photo / David Haxton

"It rises on higher ground above the main cemetery and is therefore clearly visible to all who visit this sacred place.

"We are sincerely grateful for the support provided by Veterans Affairs and the Kāpiti Coast District Council to undertake this work.

"An entrance way befitting the significance of the area and recognising the high number of graves and memorials to the fallen servicemen and women is an enduring memorial.

"The design of the entrance way has a local significance with input from local iwi. "

Kāpiti mayor K Gurunathan said, "The memorial entranceway has been a joint partnership between the Ōtaki RSA, Veterans' Affairs and the Kāpiti Coast District Council.

"We are especially grateful for the $100,000 grant from Veterans' Affairs.

"It was good to see the former Minister of Veterans' Affairs Ron Mark at the event as he was instrumental in securing this funding.

"The funding also helped upgrade and refurbish the services lower cemetery.

"This veterans'cemetery is maintained through a joint agreement between council and the Government through Veterans Affairs under the Commonwealth War Graves provision.

"On behalf of the community I thank all those involved.

"What has been created here keeps the memories of all those resting here alive."