01-05-2025
Hundreds gather in remembrance
Despite the cold, hundreds of Central Otago residents gathered to pay their respects at the various Anzac Day services across the district on Friday, one of whom was Teviot Valley Community Board member Sally Feinerman who attended the Roxburgh service.
Cr Feinerman said there about 100 people present to view the parade and service which she described as really lovely.
Central Otago District Council chief executive and chief of the New Zealand Army Peter Kelly was the guest speaker at the service.
Cr Feinerman was also impressed with the role Roxburgh Area School's head students had in the service.
"They did great,"she said.
Fog shrouded the landscape as more than 100 people gathered at the Clyde Cenotaph for the wreath-laying service.
Alexandra-Clyde RSA president Kevin Harding opened the ceremony with a reminder that New Zealand, a country of only 1million in 1914, sent 100,000 men to fight in World War 1, with a fifth not returning.
Cadets guarded the cenotaph as wreaths were placed.
The Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band led a parade down Tarbert St before stopping at the cenotaph for the wreath-laying service.
Three shots from a 25-pounder gun echoed throughout the town to open the service.
Those present heard of the importance of the Anzac spirit, and the shared history with Australia from guest speaker Army Major Duncan McEwan.
Maj McEwan also spoke of the United Nations, and how New Zealanders have contributed to the organisation through peacekeeping and disaster relief.
Vincent Community Board chairman Jayden Cromb placed a wreath on behalf of the Vincent Community Board alongside his son Tamati.
Mr Cromb described the turnout in Alexandra as one of the best since he joined the community board.
"I thought it was really nice and it's always good to see the older generation, like the veterans, but also seeing that cadet squadron there and seeing the next generation still taking part in it," he said.
Other ceremonies in Central Otago were well-attended, with 200 people present for the parade in Ranfurly.
Maniototo Community Board member Stu Duncan attended the Ranfurly service and described the turnout as great.
"There was easily 200 people there, maybe 250 max," he said.
150 people braved the fog in Lowburn to attend the service there.
Central Otago District deputy mayor Neil Gillespie said the Lowburn service was really good with a relaxed community atmosphere where people caught up with a cup of tea afterwards.
