WW100 commemorations - the story so far

The support around the District towards WW100 commemorations is gaining momentum. With all the activities we've worked on we take a little look back at what has been achieved so far.

Our Council, our Community Board and the many businesses, schools and individuals that contributed, not only towards ANZAC Day celebrations, but additional commemorative events shows that even though 100 years have passed we have not forgotten those who gave their lives.

Here are some of what we have done so far -

In Thames:

The Central School Archway - the ivy was removed so the archway could be cleaned and the plaque could be seen.
The garden at the Monument - the tired looking rosemary was removed and replanted by Rotary and Thames Youth Centre.
Chemical washing of the Monument - the monument got a good cleaning in preparation for ANZAC Day.
Street Flags - for the Civic Centre area organised by the Thames Community Board
Gallipoli Commemorative Parade - a parade of military vehicles through town followed by a WW1 battle-ground triage re-enactment organised by the Lions and Lionesses.

NZ WWI Memorial Forest

In all, 18,166 New Zealanders died in the war. By the 100th anniversary of the war's end in 2018, that number of trees will have been planted at 10 sites across the Coromandel.

The trees will be planted in forests that represent major battles and campaigns that New Zealand forces took part in.

"The NZ WWI Memorial Forest is a fitting and long-lasting tribute to the New Zealand men and women who fought and died in the service of their country a century ago," says Economic Development Programme Manager Ben Dunbar-Smith.

Mr Dunbar-Smith has been overseeing this complex project that also involves significant contributions from RSAs, community groups, schools, Waikato Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.

The 10 forest sites will also form a growing tourism attraction, with trees available for purchase and each tree GPS-located. Two signature native trees were planted at three sites around the Coromandel as part of ANZAC Day commemorations on 25 April.

To read more about the WW1 Memorial Forest Project page on our website.

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