Raetihi Fire Centennial plaque unveiled

Raetihi locals and pioneer families in attendance at a ceremony to commemorate the fire of 1918. Photo/ Supplied

Hundreds turned out in Raetihi on Sunday for the Raetihi Fire Centennial plaque unveiling and parade.

Events commenced at Raetihi cemetery with a service, followed by the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the three lives that were lost in the 1918 fire and ended with a parade.

Chair of Raetihi Promotions Geoff Anderson said that the day was absolutely fantastic.

"The Raetihi community certainly rallied behind the whole event and made sure it was successful," he said.

"The big highlight really was the Rātana band that came from Waikato, they certainly added flavour to the service that we had at the cemetery and the event at the museum."

Local Rātana minister Robert Williams led the service, that was attended by some of the pioneer families that were involved in the fire.

"There was an opportunity for them at the museum to tell the stories of their families, what they've been told. It was quite moving really," Mr Anderson said.

"Even though three died in the actual fire, it did also affect people later on with the smoke in their lungs, so a number of them did die young."

There were also story boards of the actual fire unveiled, which are going to be permanent fixtures at the museum and Mr Anderson said that "they look absolutely amazing".

He praised the efforts of Maaki Tuatini who co-ordinated everything as well as the Waimarino Museum and Waimarino Rural Fire Force.

Fire engines joined the locals, horses and vintage cars in a parade through town to end proceedings.

Ruapehu District Mayor Don Cameron, Waimarino Museum's Bernice Frost and Chair of Raetihi Promotions Geoff Anderson lay flowers on the unmarked graves of the three fire victims. Photo/ Supplied

The Raetihi Fire Centennial plaque. Photo/ Supplied

Rātana minister's leading the prayers. Photo/ Supplied