After discussions with our Local RSA’s, Matamata-Piako District Council have made the decision this year’s joint Anzac Day Civic Ceremonies at Morrinsville, Matamata, Walton and Te Aroha will not go ahead due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

 “It is with deep sadness the decision has been made to cancel this year’s Anzac Day Civic services within our district,” Mayor Ash Tanner said, “unfortunately we had to make the decision while Omicron was at its peak, without any indication from the Government at the time that restrictions around gathering limits, vaccine passes and mandates may have been changed”

While restrictions have recently changed allowing more people in an area regardless of vaccination status, we are well aware that our returned service members are amongst our most vulnerable and COVID-19 is still present in our communities. 

“While we know there will be disappointment that Civic Services won’t be taking place, we encourage you to get along to your local Dawn Service to show your respects.  These services may be a little different to usual, as they too have been impacted by regulatory processes such as road closures for normal marching routes, or alternatively engage with the Stand at Dawn concept which began in 2020 and provides a way for Kiwis to take a moment to reflect on everything Anzac Day stands for,” he said. 

Poppy Day continues to be the sole fundraising initiative to help take care of New Zealand’s veterans and their families. Initially set up as soldiers returned from Gallipoli in 1916, today’s soldiers face different challenges, the support to them and their whanau continues.

In lieu of Civic Services, Councillors have agreed to support our RSA’s individual Poppy Day collections and have made a generous $1000 donation.  It’s through the generosity of people supporting Poppy Day that we are able to help our local veterans. All money collected locally stays local. Poppy Day is Friday 22 April.

Matamata Dawn Service: Matamata RSA Car Park, assemble at 5.45am, service will commence at 6.00am

Morrinsville Dawn Service: Morrinsville RSA Car Park, asemble at 5.45am, service will commence at 6.00am

Te Aroha Dawn Service: Te Aroha RSA Car Park, assemble at 5.45am, service will commence at 6.00am