East Coast community To Put Violence to Rest on ANZAC Day
East Coast community To Put Violence to Rest on ANZAC Day 2015
The small East Coast community of Tolaga Bay and Te Aitanga a Hauiti has planned to symbolically “put the ghost of violence to rest” as part of their 2015 ANZAC Commemorations. One of its key ANZAC objectives this year is to use the event to symbolise the community’s opposition to violence “in any way, shape or form; and beginning in our own homes”.
According to Te Aitanga a Hauiti ANZAC chairman, Mr Victor Walker, “It is a time for us to acknowledge the past, while looking to the future. Our community has had its ups and downs since the end of World War 2 but deep down we have known that we descend from resilient roots.”
The community’s ANZAC committee has focused on developing its ANZAC Commemorations over the last 5 years to build momentum from the annual day of remembrance of war service and sacrifice, to also include honour and duty to family, whānau and community wellbeing.
Says Mr Walker, “There have been aspects of change imposed on us as a community that have tested our resolve, within our hapū and whānau, and even as Pākeha and Māori living closely together. But the strength of our whānau and hapū is written in the history of this iwi, and the dual heritage is also alive and well. We will symbolically enact this as part of our 2015 ANZAC Commemorations.”
Planning for the 2015 ANZAC Commemorations has largely been guided by local Anglican Minister and Army Padre of 40 years, Mr Bill Gray. According to Padre Gray, “The life is in the seed but the power is in the soil. The annual ANZAC Day Commemorations to us are not just about honouring sacrifice but also about recognising potential.”
The Tolaga Bay 2015 ANZAC Commemorations will also include other highlights over its 2 day event. The community expects up to 2,000 people to attend, an increase of 120% on its usual population.
ENDS