Te Kauwhata came together in strength, reflection and unity on Saturday 25 April 2026, as the community marked ANZAC Day through three meaningful services held across the township and wider district.
From the stillness of dawn through to a sunlit civic gathering, each service carried its own tone and character, yet all were tied by a shared purpose: to honour those who served and sacrificed and those that continue to do so.
The day began at 6:00am with the Dawn Service, where locals gathered under a blanket of fog and early morning chill. Despite the cold conditions, there was a strong turnout, with attendees being young and older standing shoulder to shoulder in quiet remembrance.
The service was led by Glen Tupuhi, with Father Turi Hollis offering prayer. The Ode of Remembrance was delivered by Wendy Phillips and Vince Hapi, while Atareiha Hema, Head Girl of Te Kauwhata College, shared a moving extract from a fallen soldier of the Māori Battalion.
Historical reflections were also shared by Navtej Randhawa (4th generation whaanau farm in Waerenga) and Cathy Miller, providing insight into the experiences and legacy of those who served. Supporting the service were Peter Reid as flag bearer, Larry Simmonds on sound, and the Te Kauwhata Community Choir, whose voices added depth and emotion to the morning. Lee ensured attendees were welcomed with programmes, and the presence of so many community members created a powerful atmosphere of collective remembrance.
Later that morning, the community took to the Waerenga Cemetary at 7:45am for the Waerenga Service, which brought a slightly different but equally heartfelt tone. Led by Anne Goodin, the service reflected the close-knit nature of the rural community.
Attendees were warmly supported by Matt and Anna, who provided a traditional gunfire breakfast and hot drinks. Once again, the Te Kauwhata Community Choir played an important role, accompanied light-heartedly by “baby calf backing singers,” adding a uniquely local charm to the morning. The roll that stands at the Waerenga Church of those that served was read out aloud. From those that served, were wounded, had died or who were killed, those names were felt in that moment.
Judith shared an interesting story of just how those from the WW2 were not so welcomed into the RSA’s back then, her father who returned from WW2 decided that was not on so a new formed ‘place of belonging’ was created and all were welcome. So many more stories have been shared among the generations and the great thing of ANZAC Day is hearing these come to light.
The final service of the day, held at 11:00am, saw around 100 people gather under welcome sunshine for the Civic Service at the Te Kauwhata Soldiers’ Memorial. This service brought together a wide cross-section of the community, including families, local organisations, and community leaders.
A highlight of the civic ceremony was the reading by Kiyara-Lee and Izzie, who shared an eyewitness account from Lieutenant Colonel Dyer, Commanding Officer of the 28th Māori Battalion, titled “Ma Te Reinga – The Way of the Māori Soldier.” The account held special significance for the local community, as it referenced Waerenga whānau members Bill and Harold (Howe) of the Iwihora family creating a deeply personal connection to the stories of service and sacrifice.
Cathy Miller also spoke, sharing the story of her father and his close friend Billy Frisk, a Canadian who served under the guise of an American and is remembered as one of the first from the United States to lose his life in service to England and his comrades.
Reverend John Marcon offered a reflection, speaking of the emotional experience of flying over waters where his ancestors and many others who lost their lives in times of conflict. His words reinforced the enduring connection between past and present, and the weight of remembrance carried across generations.
Across all three services, a strong theme of unity emerged. The collective effort of volunteers, organisers, and community members ensured the day was both meaningful and inclusive, reflecting the values at the heart of ANZAC Day.
As outgoing Chairperson of the Te Kauwhata Community Events Committee, Kris Bryant acknowledged the many hands involved in bringing the commemorations together, expressing gratitude for the continued support and mahi from the community.
“Unity as a community is as important as a squadron in battle—moving forward together,” Kris shared.
This year’s ANZAC Day services once again demonstrated the strength of Te Kauwhata’s community spirit. Through remembrance, storytelling, and shared experience, the legacy of those who served continues to live on.
Lest we forget.
