Maxwell is an Anzac service with a difference.
The small rural community just north of Wanganui marks Anzac Day with a morning service at its cenotaph just off the state highway. Preparations include shifting a piano from the Maxwell Hall, across the highway, to the cenotaph grounds using a telehandler in true rural spirit.
The Maxwell service is run by the Wanganui District Council and Keith Smith has been charged with organising it for the past 20 years. He said in that time the service had continued to attract new people and grow in size. More than 100 gathered at 9.30am this year.
"It's also about the unique setting; there's a magnificent cenotaph and the sun comes up over the trees," Mr Smith said.
Wanganui mayor Annette Main was one of the speakers.