Coasters' spirit flags away a hiccup at service

The Anzac Day memorial service in Harihari on the West Coast was probably the only ceremony in New Zealand to fly the Australian flag instead of the Kiwi colours.

The Aussie flag was an inspired piece of improvisation by an unknown member of the public when the person driving the New Zealand flag from Whataroa to Harihari was involved in an accident on Mount Hercules.

The flag was inadvertently left behind when the man reached the parade without his vehicle.

About 60 people gathered outside the Returned Services Association rooms to watch the Australian flag being raised, then marched to the township's war memorial at the cemetery for a ceremony which included laying of wreaths, an address by a priest and a salute by a firing party of six soldiers from Burnham camp.

"The bus carrying RSA members and supporters to Harihari was delayed because the road was closed due to the accident but no one knew the accident involved the gentleman and the Kiwi flag at the time," local RSA spokesman Rob Shaw said.

An onlooker who declined to be named commented: "It's an Australian and New Zealand celebration, so why not?"

- NZPA