Frigate joins Anzac services

REMEMBRANCE: A host of events are planned this week to mark the centenary of World War I, similar to last year's military parade for the Hastings Anzac mid-morning service. PHOTO/File

A naval fleet, art exhibition and commemoration services are among the events which will be held around the region this week to mark the centenary of World War I.

For the second year of the 100-year anniversary, Hastings RSA has services organised in the city centre, at the Hawke's Bay Hospital, Havelock North, Live, Maraekakaho, Waimarama and Te Hauke Marae.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, the HMNZS Te Kaha will be berthed at the Port of Napier. The arrival of the frigate, joined by the logistics and support ship HMNZS Endeavour, will be the largest-ever naval presence in the Bay for an Anzac Day.

On Saturday, April 23, the officers and ship's company of HMNZS Te Kaha will assemble at the Sound Shell on Marine Parade at 11am, with a parade to follow.

Royal New Zealand Navy liaison regional officer Lieutenant Commander Neville Smith said Hawke's Bay had a strong linkage with the Navy.

As well as the region being one of the top recruiting areas, it also had a long history going back to when the crew of the HMS Veronica, which was tied up in Napier, were pressed into action after the 1931 earthquake.

Lieutenant Commander Smith said the first moves to create the association between the city and the frigate were sparked about 18 months ago when naval personnel approached him with the plan.

Other events include Wellesley Binding's exhibition At the Wild Shore, which opens at Hastings City Art Gallery in Civic Square on April 23.

His paintings were a response on a personal level to the battles of WWI.

The gallery will be open on Anzac Day and the artist will give a floor talk at 11am that the public can attend for free.

Hastings Commemoration Services

5.30am: Hastings Cenotaph, Civic Square

6.30am: Waimarama Hall.

9am: Te Hauke Marae.

9.20am: Clive Cenotaph.

9.30am: Maraekakaho Hall.

10am: Hawke's Bay Hospital Soldiers Memorial, Hawke's Bay Hospital.

10.30am: Havelock North Cenotaph

?For more information, phone RSA Hastings on 06 878 8808.