Porirua residents gathered across the city on 25 April to commemorate ANZAC Day, paying tribute to the generations of New Zealanders and Australians who served and sacrificed in times of conflict. From the Titahi Bay Dawn Service to the civic ceremonies at Takapūwāhia and Whenua Tapu, the community came together in a powerful display of remembrance.
The day began with the Dawn Service at the Porirua RSA, followed by the Porirua City Civic Service at the Peace Memorial, and later the Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira service at Takapūwāhia Pā.
Reflecting on the day, Porirua City Councillor Geoff Hayward said, “I was particularly mindful of those who returned from service, carrying both visible and unseen wounds. My own tūpuna, Bom Gilies of the 28th Māori Battalion, B Company (the Penny Divers), alongside his brothers, including Uncle John who never returned from Libya, embodies the incredible sacrifice made by so many.”
Local MP Barbara Edmonds attended multiple ceremonies, concluding her day at the Veterans Memorial at Whenua Tapu. “Another beautiful service and beautiful setting to remember those who have served for our country, our communities and have passed on,” Edmonds said.
For many, ANZAC Day was not just about honouring those lost in battle, but also those who returned home carrying invisible scars. Porirua City Councillor Kathleen Filo reflected, “At its heart, Anzac Day is about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But it also calls us to look around — to acknowledge the ongoing impact of service, and to recognise the strength, dedication, and quiet contributions of those who continue to carry it.”
Across Porirua, communities stood together — neighbours, whānau, veterans, and dignitaries — reinforcing the enduring significance of ANZAC Day in Aotearoa.
Mayor Anita Baker, closed with “Lest we forget.”
Support your local RSA by visiting: https://poriruarsa.co.nz/ – https://www.rsa.org.nz/find-an-rsa/find-a-local-rsa/pukerua-bay-rsa – https://www.facebook.com/Titahibay.rsa/