Ngahi Bidois 'honoured' at invitation to speak at Rotorua Anzac Day dawn service

The 2016 Anzac Day dawn service at Ohinemutu's Muruika Urupa.

He has spoken in front of thousands of people all around the world, but his Anzac Day speech will be one of his most memorable.

Ngahi Bidois said he felt honoured and privileged to be one of the few non-service people to have been given the honour of the keynote address at the dawn service at Muruika War Cemetery in Ohinemutu on Anzac Day.

The service attracts thousands to the shores of Lake Rotorua every year to honour those who have served their country and its people.

International speaker Ngahi Bidois is guest speaker at the Anzac Day dawn service this year. Photo/File

Mr Bidois said his father Tommy served in Malaya as part of 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry and his grandfather, Pakau Tanirau, lost his life in Tunisia while serving with the Maori Battalion's B Company.

"It's a huge honour, as an international speaker this is right up there, it's incredible," Mr Bidois said.

"I've attended Anzac Day here in Rotorua since I came home, not only to acknowledge my father serving overseas, but my grandfather I never met.

"I speak at hundreds of conferences and to many thousands of people, but this is top of the list because of the significance of the occasion and as it as at home in Ohinemutu."

He said he would speak about honouring those who gave their lives and encouraging people to get on with their lives because of the sacrifice so many New Zealanders made.

The dawn service starts at 6am, but people are encouraged to get there earlier if they want a good spot. A big screen will also be set up.

The Anzac Day Civic Service run by the Rotorua Lakes Council, featuring guest speaker Leith Comer, begins at 9.30am in the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.

Staff from the Rotorua Museum will be based at Te Runanga Tearooms in the Government Gardens from 9am until 3pm on Anzac Day with a range of activities to commemorate the day.

Rotorua RSA president William McDonald said the Rotorua District Field of Remembrance would be set up in the Government Gardens on Thursday April 20 from 5pm.

The Field of Remembrance was first installed to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings by Anzac troops on April 25, 1915 and each of the crosses represents a soldier from the Rotorua district who lost their life while serving during World War I

Mr McDonald said the RSA was looking for volunteers to help sell poppies for Poppy Day on Friday, April 21.

Individuals wishing to volunteer for Poppy Day are asked to contact the Rotorua RSA on (07) 348 1055, or email rotrsa@xtra.co.nz.

Anzac Day services - Tuesday, April 25

Dawn service at Muruika War Cemetery, Ohinemutu
Parade and veterans assemble 5.30am
Public assemble from 5.45am
Service starts 6am
Guest speaker Ngahi Bidois

Civic Service
8.50am Memorial Drive parade meeting time
9am Parade leaves Memorial Drive
9.15am Parade arrives at Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre
9.30am Service begins
10.30am Service ends
Guest speaker Leith Comer