News & Events

Remember the ANZACs

Ruapehu Bulletin, King Country Ohakune      20 April 2022

Local Member of Parliament Ian McKelvie urges readers to remember the ANZACs next Monday.

ANZAC day is a day we New Zealanders must never forget. On this day we commemorate the landing of New Zealand and Australian troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April 1915, during the First World War. 107 years ago our country's sacrifice was so great and the ANZAC contribution so valiant our soldiers earned the respect of their allies and adversaries. The cove at which the ANZACs came ashore now bears their name.

All of the original ANZACs have passed away, but their legacy remains and we must not lose sight of the significance for New Zealand of the sacrifices made at Gallipoli. On ANZAC Day we gather to remember and to reflect. We owe it to all those who died and served then, and to all those who have subsequently contributed to the defence of our nation.

New Zealand has a proud history of standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies against injustice and tyranny and we paid a high price in two world wars. But we must also remember those who served and gave their lives in other conflicts too.

Of course this year our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, as the 50 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel who arrived in England on Monday on board a C130 Hercules to commence their mission to help transport donated military equipment. Over the next few months, our C130 will join a chain of other military aircraft from allied nations, carrying much-needed equipment and supplies to key distribution centres throughout Europe. In addition the NZDF deployed nine intelligence analysts to Belgium in late March to assist the Ukrainian wart effort.

Provincial New Zealand was hit hard by WW1. Many Rangitikei towns have their own cenotaphs and memorials to honour those who fought and lost their lives in conflict.

Today the Rangitikei electorate (which includes Ruapehu) has the greatest military presence in the New Zealand, incorporating Ohakea, Waiouru and Linton; and our armed forces are a vital part of the region. I hope you'll do your best to take part in one of the many things happening in the Rangitikei this weekend in recognition of this special day in our Nation's history - and take time to remember those who gave, and continue to give, so much.

We Will Remember Them.