Covid-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of ANZAC Day services last year, but even inclement weather couldn’t keep large crowds from gathering to attend this year’s services at Wanaka and Lake Hāwea.

Blustery winds and threatening rain clouds didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds who turned out for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service on the foreshore of Lake Wānaka at 7am this morning (Sunday April 25).

A large crowd gathered at Lake Wānaka foreshore this morning PHOTO: Wanaka App

Even gusty winds couldn’t keep Peter Hendriks and his Tiger Moth, sporting a new set of wings (the first in 83 years), from completing the traditional flypast along Roys Bay foreshore to complete the dawn service.

Two pipers, Vern Affleck and Patrick Cotter, at the Lake Hāwea service. PHOTO: Supplied

The popular New Zealand Veterans’ Brass Band, which returned to Wanaka after its first visit in 2019, played to an estimated crowd of 300-400 before the dawn service began. 

The service was led by Upper Clutha Returned and Services Association (RSA) member Major Ian Piercy (AGS); Jen Anderson sang the New Zealand national anthem and Katrina Bristow the Australian anthem; and Wanaka RSA committee member Paul Miller read the Ode to the Fallen.

The march to the Wanaka cenotaph PHOTO: Wanaka App

In recognition of this year’s ANZAC theme “Service and Sacrifice”, acknowledging women in uniform and out, and women who provide support to those in the military, three Mount Aspiring College students presented the key address at the mid-morning civic service in the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Commander Lyal Cocks (RNZN Rtd), who led the civic service, said students Annabel Hutchison, Meg Thomas and Ollie Blyth represented the college proudly.

“They were terrific. They clearly did a lot of research, and their address was skilfully delivered and appropriate to the theme,” he said. 

Mount Aspiring College head students Annabel Hutchison, Meg Thomas and Ollie Blyth at the civic service PHOTO: Wanaka App

A crowd estimated to be within 1000 people attended the Lake Hāwea dawn service, which began with Hāwea Flat School pupils performing a haka pōwhiri.

The service was led by Sergeant Lorne Capell, and guest speaker was Leading Communications Specialist RNZN Nicole Booth.

Tiger Moths fly past the Lake Hāwea dawn service. PHOTO: Hawea Community Association

After the reading of the Roll of Honour, the placing of crosses for the fallen, the laying of wreaths, readings and the two national anthems (sung by Isla Henderson and Anna Rowley), the service concluded with the fly-past of two Tiger Moths.

Two pipers, Vern Affleck and Patrick Cotter, were a moving sight on the hill above the lake, piping ‘Time to Say Goodbye’.

New Zealand lost 18,277 servicemen and women during the WW1 conflict, and Australia 62,000; and 2,779 New Zealanders and 8,141 Australians lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign.

Members of the Wanaka Fire Service lay a wreath at the Cenotaph. PHOTO: Wanaka App