5 May, 2021

Crowds flock back to local commemorations

After two years of disruption following the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019 and Covid restrictions last year, the Devonport Anzac parade was back on the programme for this year’s commemorations.

Hundreds turned out for a much-anticipated return to tradition at the Devonport War Memorial.

Marching down Victoria Rd, the parade was led by pipers and a drummer from the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Master of ceremonies Chris Mullane led proceedings at the memorial, which included an address by Captain Mark Worsfold (MNZM), acknowledgements of Women in Service, wreath-laying, and the reading of The Ode by Commander Maurice Kennett in English and Korin O’Brien in te reo Māori.

Bugler William Filimoehala performed a compelling rendition of The Last Post from the balcony of the Esplanade Hotel, overlooking the crowd.

A strong youth presence was to the fore. Scripture and prayers were read by Stanley Bay School pupils George Dodd and Calliope Levitt-McSkimming, and the Belmont Primary School Bellbirds joined accomplished singer AMUS Rebecca Nelson performing Poppies and Pohutukawa.

Ninety-nine-year-old year old Ron Child and 11-year-old Ava Trapski both recited poems from the special Anzac issue of the Toi Toi journal.

Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) student and RSA Youth Ambassador Sidney Glennie-Crosby gave the Anzac Dedication.

“It was brilliant to see such a broad cross-section of all ages this year,” Mullane said later.

Earlier, more than 40 passengers travelled on a special free 5am ferry sailing from Devonport to Auckland to attend a dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) rounded out the day with its poignant Dusk Service at the school library.

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