Hastings Remembers: WW100 Commemorations

Civic Square will be the focal point for ANZAC Day services in the Hastings District this year.   2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign and the forging of the greatly admired ANZAC spirit.

Hastings Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “This year’s services, will give us a chance to place a real focus and remember the ANZAC’s who landed on the beaches at Gallipoli on the 25th of April, 1915. Local soldiers contributed a great deal to the Gallipoli campaign and Council has joined the Hastings RSA in organising a district-wide commemoration service in Civic Square.”

Cynthia Bowers says “The ANZAC Day programme will include a number of supporting events that will allow the community to fully participate in remembrance of the soldiers who fought so bravely in WW1. Both the Hastings District War Memorial Library and Hawke’s Bay Art Gallery will feature displays with an ANZAC theme, and the Library is in the process of digitising a regional roll of honour.”

Hastings RSA General Manager Neil Murphy says “Right across New Zealand and Australia we will remember the sacrifice that was made by ANZAC soldiers on the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915. The annual RSA-led services at Havelock North and the Hawke’s Bay Hospital will not be held this year so that our resources and efforts can be focussed on the Dawn and Civic services in Civic Square.”

Neil Murphy says “The services that are traditionally held in rural areas are likely to proceed as normal.”

The programme for ANZAC Day 2015 includes the traditional dawn (5am – 6am) and civic (10am – 11am) services along with a range of entertainment (8.30am – 10am) between the services.

Highlights of the public programme at Civic Square include the unveiling of the Sir Andrew Russell Statue and performances by the Deco Bay Port of Napier Brass Band, and the nationally renowned New Zealand String Quartet.

For more information visit hastingsremembers.nz

Hastings Remembers is a partnership between the Hastings RSA, Hastings District Council, Hastings District Libraries and Hastings City Art Gallery. The programme has received generous funding support from the NZ Lotteries Commission and the Eastern and Central Community Trust.

4 October 2017

Back to Archive