Anzac Day Brunch goes down a treat with locals

Volunteers Colin Mcallister, Ciara Derecourt, Annalise Wynn, Gayle McIntosh and Patti McLaughlin preparing and servicing the civic brunch. Photo / George Novak

Smells of bacon cooking over a charcoal wood burner wafted over Tauranga Domain as thousands of people lined up for the Great Anzac Day Brunch.

Five thousand bacon butties, hot cups of tea and coffee and Anzac biscuits were a welcome treat for all those who attended the Civic Memorial Service in the Domain on Saturday.

Among the 70 volunteers preparing and serving the brunch were Bethlehem College students Ciara Derecourt, 17, and her sister Niamh, 15, and some of her school mates.

Ms Derecourt said this was her first Anzac Day service and when they asked for volunteers she jumped at the chance and has "loved" being part of the commemoration service.

"I was really excited because I have never been involved in anything like this before. I was blown away by how many people turned up and seeing the hundreds of people marching in uniforms on parade made me feel very proud. It was awesome experience

"I think having a shared brunch was a fantastic idea. It was a really nice way of drawing everybody closer together and people I spoke to were really thankful and said they enjoyed the food."

Also helping with the food was Bubs Hibbard, 73, from Pillans Point.

"I like helping other people. I'm a volunteer in an opportunity shop and serve on a number of committees and when any big events are going on in Tauranga I always offer to help out."

Ms Hibbard said she was also there to honour the Anzacs who lost their lives, including her uncle Corporal Porokuru Patapu Pohe - the first Maori RNZAF bomber pilot in World War II.

"My uncle's plane was shot down along the Germany coastline in 1943 and he became a POW. He was involved in the Great Escape but was recaptured and unfortunately lost his life after he was shot in 1944," she said.

Tauranga City Council communication manager Aimee Driscoll said organisers catered for 5000 people at the brunch and the catering supplies were about right.

"A big thank you must go to all our volunteers."