David Apare plays a conch and Rob Pearce carries a photo of his grandfather at the Paekākāriki ANZAC Day service. – Photo Bob Zuur
On a perfect autumn day in Paekākāriki, residents joined a parade of Scouts and Army personnel to march along the seafront to the Memorial Hall, where they were welcomed with a karanga given by Gwen Greenham. Sprigs of rosemary were given to attendees to lay alongside the official wreaths. Guest speakers were introduced by KMC Helen Ruolsingpui Keivom. Paekākāriki’s soldiers were commemorated in an address by Ian McGibbon ONZM, who also talked about the ever-present vigilance needed to prevent war. The names of those who died in WWI and WWII were read out by Sidney Budge. Jonathon Crawford, Acting Political and Economic Chief at the US Embassy talked about the tragic accident in June 1943 that resulted in the deaths of 10 US Marines during a training exercise in Paekākāriki, and read out their names. Mehmet Imancer of the Kāpiti Turkish Community paid tribute to the ANZACS who fought at Gallipolli and quoted Kamal Ataturk’s famous words. Neil Shipman played the Last Post before the wreath-laying ceremony. Apirana Taylor and Sunny Amey read the Ode of Remembrance. The Benediction, given by Reverend Lynda Wards, was followed by the crowd singing Pō Atarau/Now is the Hour. Morning tea was served in the Memorial Hall. The event was organised by the Paekākāriki Anzac Day Committee.
Paekākāriki Scouts – Photo Bob Zuur
A glorious day for a parade – Photo Bob Zuur
Gwen Greenham welcomes the arrivals with a karakia – Photo Bob Zuur
Apirana Taylor and Sunny Amey read the Ode of Remembrance – Photo Bob Zuur
