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NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Anzac Day in Rotorua: Love and remembrance at 110th anniversary service
Reverend Tom Poata officiated the service which included guest speaker Angela Swann-Cronin, formerly of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Rotorua-raised Swann-Cronin (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata) was the first Māori woman to become an air force pilot. She retired in 2009 after a 13-year career and now flies 787s for Air New Zealand. In her address, Swann-Cronin talked of love. 'Love is not always the word we associate with war. When we think of the battlefield, we think of hardship, loss and suffering, but when we look past the medals and the uniforms, we find love at the heart of courage,' she said. 'When the first Anzacs stepped on the shores of Gallipoli 110 years ago, they stepped into the unknown, but they did not do it alone.' Swann-Cronin spoke of the soldiers who stepped forward as one bound by duty but 'driven by love'. 'Love for their mates, love for their homelands and their families back home. 'Love is what brings us here today, we gather not just to remember loss but to remember what was given.' Swann-Cronin addressed 'keeping alive the memory' of her tipuna Hēnare Kōhere, who died at the Somme in 1916. 'Anzac Day reminds us of not just sacrifice but of the values we must uphold - courage, compassion, comradeship, commitment and aroha. 'Aroha mai aroha atu - let love be given and let love be returned.' Patience Lister from Rotorua Girls' High School and Harrison Roberts-Brake of John Paul College spoke also. Patience stood proudly as she addressed the hundreds who turned up to commemorate those who served. 'We gather to reflect on a significant day in our history, a monumental event in the history of New Zealand, which will not be forgotten.' Lister, a representative of the Rotorua Army Cadets, said she stood before the service with great respect for those who had worn the uniform before her. 'Anzac Day is a reminder of the responsibilities that we have to uphold as citizens, to uphold the legacy of those who came before us,' she said. 'We all have a role to play in shaping the future, embodying the same spirit of courage, responsibility and respect for our ancestors.' Harrison Roberts-Brake painted a picture of what the young soldiers who 'faced torture' experienced to 'supply us with freedom'. 'Oh, to be 18 and free,' he said. 'For thousands of Anzac soldiers who would've been a similar age to me, their dreams were paused, exchanged for the promise of glory and honour. 'Their valorous sacrifice is the foundation of our country today, their legacy shaped our modern world.' Roberts-Brake commemorated the late Sir Robert 'Bom' Gillies - the longest surviving Māori Battalion soldier who died in Rotorua last November. 'What Bom valued is exactly what our Anzacs fought and died for. 'Today, we evaluate how we can carry on the Anzacs' legacy, not just through memory but through action.' The 110th Anzac Day was the first without the late Sir Robert Gillies. 'This is a call to honour his legacy, all we really need is a little aroha,' Roberts-Brake said. 'We must recall not only what we've lost, but what we've gained.' He said there was an abundance lingering in Sir Robert 'Bom' Gillies' legacy, and there was a duty to promote a world where peace trumps pride. Roberts-Brake concluded his address with a question to those attending the service. 'Will you answer the call to honour his legacy?' The crowd stood silent for the Last Post as the New Zealand flag was raised. Laying of the wreaths took place during the service, and pipers from the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band played and the Rotorua Municipal Brass Band. Tapsell closed the ceremony. 'We acknowledge the veterans who have joined us today, we have such gratefulness and warmth in our hearts for the service of not only you, but your families and the sacrifice that you, your brothers and your sisters have made over the years.' At the end of the service there was a special performance by Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue honouring Sir Robert (Bom) Gillies (February 14, 1925 – November 7, 2024). 'As you can tell by their tears in their eyes and the love in their voices, this not only meant a lot to perform this today, but it meant a lot to dedicate that song, and today, many more years to come of memories of Sir Robert Gillies,' Tapsell said. 'May we not only acknowledge our loved ones on the 25th, but may we acknowledge them every day in our hearts.'
NZ Herald
23-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Rotorua Anzac Day begins with dawn service, civic memorial
Anzac Day, named for the Australia New Zealand Army Corps, is a national day of remembrance that commemorates those who served. The date marks the disastrous beginning of the near year-long Gallipoli campaign that ended with more than 130,000 dead, including 2779 New Zealanders. Speakers at the Civic Memorial Service in Rotorua tomorrow include former Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot Angela Swann-Cronin and two youth speaker representatives, Patience Lister (Rotorua Girls High School) and Harrison Roberts-Brake (John Paul College). Rotorua-raised Swann-Cronin (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata) was the first Māori woman to become an air force pilot. She retired in 2009 after a 13-year career and now flies 787s for Air New Zealand. 'Anzac Day is always a solemn reminder of unnecessary suffering and loss in war and the combined contribution of New Zealand and Australia to the Gallipoli campaign,' she told Local Democracy Reporting. 'We ensure that those who made the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten and those who returned are cherished.' The ex-service person said she always felt pride standing alongside colleagues on Anzac Day and 'keeping alive the memory' of her tipuna Hēnare Kōhere, who died at the Somme in 1916. 'Whilst wearing the military uniform, I have experienced different public reactions to its symbology from gratitude to disappointment. 'Despite this, I hope recognition of service people will continue to be supported and appreciated here in Aotearoa.' Aroha was her message as opposed to war. 'I aim to bring this into my brief Anzac Day kōrero. 'It is also a recognition of Matatini winners Ngāti Whakaue and their tribute to the late Tā Bom Gilles.' Mayor Tapsell said the day remained an important reminder of the losses created by war, and a moment to honour the sacrifice of young local soldiers who 'fought for our safety and security'. 'With recent conflicts across the world, it's a chilling reminder of how we cannot stay complacent in the pursuit of peace. 'Anzac Day is a time to come together as a community and celebrate the strength of unity.' About 1000 people were expected to attend. Last year's service included a strong message from then-Rotorua Boys' High School head boy Jared Lasike, who spoke of his great-grandfather's contributions at war and how comradeship brought the country together like never before. His speech also called out New Zealanders for their divisive nature and suggested Kiwis could learn more from their ancestors. Commemoration organisers said in a statement, 'Mr G Botting will play the Last Post on his bugle before the Ode to the Fallen is read by WO11 Captain Rangi Rata (Te Arawa Returned Services League) and Dr Reynold Macpherson (Vice President Rotorua Returned Services Association)'. Laying of the wreaths will take place during the service, and pipers from the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band will play as well as the Rotorua Municipal Brass Band. Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue will also honour Sir Robert (Bom) Gillies who was the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion. The service will be livestreamed and available on the council's YouTube page. Anzac Dawn Service 5.45am: Gather at Ōhinemutu 5.50pm: Parade march to Muruika Soldiers' Cemetery (by St Faith's Church) Advertisement Advertise with NZME. 6.00am: Dawn Service begins with a mihi (welcome) from Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League Prayers: Reverend Tom Poata Anzac dedication followed by hymn and guest speaker. The Dawn Service is expected to conclude about 6.30am. Anzac Civic Memorial Service 8.50am: Meet at Te Arawa War Memorial (next to Rotorua Museum in Government Gardens) Advertisement Advertise with NZME. 9.00am: Anzac Parade leaves Te Arawa War Memorial and heads along Queen's Drive 9.25am: Parade arrives at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre 9.30am: Anzac Civic Memorial Service begins Anzac Day road closures (8.30am – 10am): Queens Dr from Prince's Gate Arch to Te Arawa War Memorial (roundabout next to the Rotorua Museum). Arawa St from Prince's Gate Arch to the intersection of Fenton St, (not including the roundabout). People are encouraged to avoid the Prince's Gate entrance to Government Gardens due to the road closure. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
