Maori service returns home after memorial restored

Herewini Whakarua was not alone this year.

His statue sits atop a war memorial at Whanganui's Pakaitore / Moutoa Gardens and this year, once again, he watched over the annual Whanganui Maori Anzac Day service which returned to Pakaitore Tuesday after a three-year absence.

Held for the first time in 1933 it is the longest running Maori service in the country and has been held at the War Memorial Centre over recent years while the Whakarua memorial underwent restoration.

TeRangi Maniapoto, president of the 28 Maori Battalion Association Whanganui branch said it was good to be home.

"This is out first year back since the restoration of the memorial," Mr Maniapoto said. "It is always good to come here - our traditional home - that was built by those old people."

The 11am service ran for an hour and attracted hundreds of people and was attended by a host of dignitaries including MP Chester Borrows and Mayor Hamish McDouall.

Ned Tapa at the annual Maori Anzac day commemorations at Pakaitore.

Mayor Hamish McDouall at the annual Maori Anzac Day service at Pakaitore

Whakarua's statue was removed from the top of the monument in March 2013 because of safety concerns.

The monument was cracked and crumbling, and the statue was in danger of falling.

Now the monument has been restored, giving the statue a permanent, secure home. The statue was repaired at the Sarjeant Gallery.