National MP Chris Bishop explains ‘embarrassing’ no-show at Anzac Hutt dawn service

National MP Chris Bishop says he is embarrassed after not showing up to an Anzac Day dawn service in his local electorate this morning where he was expected to lay a wreath.

Bishop, the MP for Hutt South, said his name was read out to lay a wreath at the Hutt dawn service despite him not being present.

He blamed it on a communications mix-up between the organisers, him and his staff - and pointed out he was going to five other Anzac day services.

“Had a few questions about this morning’s Hutt Dawn Service. My name was read out to lay a wreath and I wasn’t there. This is obviously pretty embarrassing and I am gutted,” Bishop wrote in a post on his Facebook page.

“I did not know the RSA were expecting me to lay a wreath and I wasn’t officially invited to do so. Obviously if I had known, I would have been there.

“It looks like there was a breakdown in communication between the RSA and my office and me.

“As always on Anzac Day I have attended and laid wreaths at the two Petone services, the Hutt Civic service at 945 and the Wainuiomata service. I will also be attending the Ataturk memorial service at Breaker Bay this afternoon on behalf of the government and laying a wreath.”

The Hutt Valley RSA has been contacted for comment.

Bishop was the first National MP to hold the Hutt South electorate seat.

Online commenters said Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ name was also read out at an Anzac ceremony he did not attend on Saturday - though his office told RNZ this had been planned, and a representative was there to present a wreath on his behalf while he was at a ceremony in Upper Hutt at the time.

Hipkins also attended other Anzac Day ceremonies, they said.