News Release (For Immediate Release)

30 March 2004

Anzac show goes on – no worries

Waitakere City’s Anzac Day parades will go ahead as planned, despite fears that OSH regulations might prevent the annual commemorative marches.

Council staff reassured RSA members at a meeting today that a traffic management plan - imposed by Occupational Safety and Health Regulations - was not an obstacle to the parades.

The Council has offered to help the RSA prepare the plans.

Traffic management procedures have been tightened, following the death of a woman at the 2001 Christchurch to Akaroa cycling event and the race organiser’s subsequent conviction.

In the aftermath of reports suggesting that the parades were in jeopardy, Waitakere Council spokesperson Dai Bindoff says there was never any risk that the parades would be cancelled.

Anzac Parade organisers have always needed permits to close the road, but this year the Council sent a letter advising the RSA advising them to get a professional traffic management plan.

“It was a suggestion to get in touch so we can help them through the process. The Christchurch prosecution has focused councils on ensuring the regulations are observed to the letter. We were simply trying to help and protect the parade organisers,” says Mr Bindoff.

Mr Bindoff also points out that Auckland City Council - and others around the country - have required traffic management plans for a number of years.

“From our point of view it was no big deal. Everyone is now aware of their obligations and the parades and commemorations can go ahead without any problems.”

Ends

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