ŌTOROHANGA AND KAWHIA ANZAC DAY CIVIC SERVICES CANCELLED

The Returned Services Association (RSA) has made the decision to cancel all public Anzac Day events this year and is postponing its national Poppy Day appeal.

As a result of this announcement Ōtorohanga District Council has cancelled its ANZAC Day Civic Services in both Ōtorohanga and Kawhia.

The decision has not come lightly and means it will be the first time Anzac Day services have been cancelled since they were started in 1915.

It is the first time Poppy Day has been postponed since 1922.

Mayor Max Baxter says it’s incredibly sad that RSA members and their supporters cannot come together to remember and acknowledge those who have served, but keeping the community safe is also a priority.

“Anzac Day is a special day for a lot of people, but it is the right sacrifice to make at this critical time because ensuring the health and safety of our residents and the greater community is of the utmost importance, especially those vulnerable like our elder veterans.

“I urge local residents and community groups who were planning on attending our Civic Services in Ōtorohanga and Kawhia to still spend Anzac Day acknowledging those who have served, within the confines of their own home.”