More than 90 people gathered in our whare tīpuna, Kaipō to commemorate those who served and fought for our country. The service, led jointly by Venerable Richard Wallace, QSM and Father Michael Mahoney, included a presentation collated by Paul Madgwick introducing us to the 11 young Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio men who were enlisted to fight in the First World War. These included, three Katau brothers, two te Koeti, four Bannisters and two Kini (who signed up in Wairewa).
Interspersed with music of the time and historical footage, it was a poignant reminder of our tīpuna, who were so young and the toll that World War I took on our whānau, hapū and community.
Prayers, a reading by Brenda Monk, songs and the opportunity for locals to share their kōrero with everyone followed. After the acts of remembrance, poppies were laid at our commemorative window, which now includes two ‘dead’ pennies issued to whānau of the Katau brothers who died in the war, either side of the plaque in their memory.
Light rain fell during the wreath-laying ceremony at our flagpole – Te Hokowhitu a Tū, which included wreaths made by local Fox Glacier School students. We were thrilled to have two serving representatives of the Army, Sgt Jamie Rollo and Private Lee participate in our service and hope they or other representatives will be back next year.
Service over, everyone made their way to Poke, our wharekai for kai and more kōrero. It was a wonderful and memorable occasion enjoyed by everyone who joined us. It was a fabulous way to honour and mark the 100th year anniversary of Gallipoli. Ka maumahara tonu mātou ki a rātou.
While we commemorated Anzac Day at our marae, the South Westland manager for the Department of Conservation, Wayne Costello was in Gallipoli, attending the service over there. Wayne carried two stones with him from our rohe, on our behalf – aotea from the Makaawhio River and waitai (white stone) off Māori Beach, Mahitahi/Bruce Bay – as a tribute to leave on the beach where our tīpuna and others landed with such trepidation on 25 April, 1915.
The crowd participating at our Anzac service.
Flags and wreaths at the 100th Anzac Day service.
Richard Wallace welcoming everyone to the service as part of the mihi whakatau.
Everybody gathering for kai in our wharekai, Poke.
Father Micheal Mahoney leading everybody in a prayer.
Sargent Jamie Rollo raising the flag.