Anzac dawn service: Hundreds gather at Rotorua's Ōhinemutu

Hundreds gathered on the shores of Lake Rotorua this morning for the Anzac Dawn Service at the Ōhinemutu war memorial.

Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League hosted the service and was conducted by Reverend Tom Poata.

The flags moved gently with the light breeze, the lake as still as the many bodies stood in silence.

Image 1 of 17: Rotorua's Dawn Service at Muruika Soldiers' Cemetery. Photo / Ben Fraser

A live screen and speakers were placed on the outskirts of the grounds for the hundreds who spilled out of the cemetery.

Te Arawa Services League president Te Kei Merito spoke to the hundreds about the importance of Anzac Day and of those who have died in all wars.

Beside the Lakefront, steam lifted from the ground between the hundreds of people gathered around the tombs in the Muruika Soldiers' Cemetery.

People gather at Ohinemutu for Rotorua's Anzac Day dawn service. Photo / Ben Fraser

Lit by a single light beneath the marae, guests spoke to honour the fallen soldiers.

Poppy Taylor, 5, at the Rotorua Anzac Day dawn service. Photo / Ben Fraser

New Zealand Army Chaplain Major Darren O'Callaghan spoke of Anzac Day in the sacred land of Te Arawa.

He spoke of the many young men who chose to go to war and strive for peace; a choice which took the lives of many.

Anzac Day Dawn Service at Ohinemutu

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Wednesday, 24 April 2019

"To make the world a better and brighter place."

Speakers at Ohinemutu Anzac Day dawn service. Photo / Cira Olivier

Although hundreds of all ages have gathered, the powerful words were all that could be heard.

With only a light wind, barely lifting the flag, the people gathered to pay respects.

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Wednesday, 24 April 2019

Mal Nicholls and his family were heavily involved in the Returned and Services League (RSL) in a small country town in Australia.

"ANZAC Day is really important in our family," he said.

Nicholls had come to Rotorua for his son's wedding and his son told them they could not leave before the Dawn Service.

From the steam to the strong Māori cultural precence and acknowledgment, Nicholls was left speechless.

"I don't have particular words for it," he said.

The sky slowly lit up.

The Australian national anthem, Advance Australia Fair, was sung to honour the Anzac partnership.

With gusto and heart, God Defend New Zealand lifted between the tombs of the soldiers no longer with us.

People gather at Ohinemutu for Rotoru's Anzac Day dawn service. Photo / Ben Fraser

The installation of the Rotorua District Field of Remembrance last Tuesday at the Cenotaph in Government Gardens marked the start of Anzac commemorations in the district.

Each of the 110 crosses represents a soldier from the Rotorua district, who lost their life while serving during World War I.

The crosses will remain in place until May 1 and give everyone the opportunity to have a quiet moment of reflection and to place a personal tribute for those who lost their lives.

Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli Landings in 1915. In the months following more than 130,000 men died, including 2779 Kiwis.

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Wednesday, 24 April 2019

The national theme of this year's Anzac commemorations is "Finding Our Way Back".

People gather at Ohinemutu for Rotorua's Anzac Day dawn service. Photo / Ben Fraser

Following the conclusion of World War I in November 1918, soldiers were not able to return home immediately due to a shortage of ships and the need for personnel during the occupation of Germany.

For many, the return took more than 10 months.

The journey back is also a metaphor for the return to a peace-time society, and 2019 is the time to reflect on the future.

Anzac Day timings
- 5.45am Dawn Service at Ohinemutu. Officiated by Reverend Tom Poata.
- 8.45am Meet at Memorial Drive Parade
- 9am Anzac Parade leaves Memorial Drive and heads through Government Gardens
- 9am Free bus departs from Memorial Drive
- 9.20am Parade arrives at Sportsdrome.
- 9.30am Anzac Civic Memorial Service begins at Sportsdrome (expected duration: 1 hour) Service officiated by Reverend Tom Poata. Guest speakers - Major (Rtd) Pita Anaru MNZM, E.D., M.I.D., JP (Rtd) and Anahira Ropitini, deputy head girl of Reporoa College. Ken Douglas playing the Last Post. Ode to the Fallen read out by Te Kei Merito and Bryce Morrison. Music by City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band, Evelyn Falconer, Rotorua Brass Band and members of the Western Heights High School Choir. Poem read by Pamela Miley-Terry QSM, retired Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps Major.

Anzac Day Road closures
- Memorial Drive (at the lakefront) and Queens Drive closed from 8am to 10am.
- People driving to the Sportsdrome are encouraged to arrive before 9am or avoid the Princes Gate entrance to Government Gardens and instead enter past Polynesian Spa.