Warmth of Anzac spirit melts icy cold dawn

Will Fordyce plays the last post on his bugle as the sun rises over the Cenotaph on Browns Bay beach on Auckland's North Shore. Picture / Fotopress

Despite the wintry conditions, New Zealanders turned out in huge numbers around the country today for the Anzac Day dawn services commemorating the 90th anniversary of Gallipoli landings in World War 1.

The numbers of veterans may be dwindling, but the numbers of those who come to pay their respects is not. Auckland and Wellington reported good attendances, with Governer-General Dame Silvia Cartwright saying the Auckland was probably the largest gathering of veterans in the country.

About 2000 veterans, family members and other observers braved the icy cold to met at the Cenotaph in Auckland Domain this morning for the 66th dawn service.  Thousands more were able to listen on radio and watch on television as the service was broadcast live.

Christchurch RSA spokesman Pat Duggan said numbers were "excellent" despite a dismally cold drizzly morning, with between 800 and 1000 marching and several thousand spectators in support.

Whangarei, Hamilton, Rotorua and Nelson, all reported record attendances with Palmerston North, Nelson, Hastings and Taupo, having excellent turnouts.

Around 3000 people turned out in Palmerston North, while the turnout in Nelson was described as the biggest in more than 20 years.

In the dark, the veterans marched to the Auckland Cenotaph before a Howitzer fired a round to open the ceremony.

Prayers were offered by Pauline Law, chaplain of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard made the dedication and Dame Silvia Cartwright addressed the veterans.

A second Howitzer round marked the beginning of an acutely observed minute's silence. The sun began to rise silhouetting Rangitoto Island on the horizon.

As the veterans marched away at the end of the service, the congregation broke into a spontaneous burst of applause.

Mr Hubbard said that at 6am, on this day, 90 years ago, ANZAC received its "baptism of fire" and became one of the most significant names in New Zealand's history.

"Let their memory inspire us to bring new light into the darkness of the world," he said.

Dame Cartwright said it was wonderful that so many people had come to "the largest gathering of veterans in New Zealand".

"We acknowledge those soldiers and all those who have fought for this country."

Dame Cartwright said it was the first time New Zealand had commemorated Anzac Day with the Unknown Warrior present in the country.

The remains of the warrior were returned to New Zealand from France last November, and are now interred at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

About 2000 people gathered for the dawn service in Wellington at the Cenotaph near Parliament.

National Party leader Don Brash brought a political edge to his Anzac Day address.

In a reference to the party's defence policy, Dr Brash said New Zealand should never be caught unprepared and needs strong defences, whether the threat is from a belligerent nation or an international terrorist.

Dr Brash told the crowd that conflict plagues the world and New Zealand must be ready to defend the principles it was built on.

He said the memory of the Anzacs is dishonoured if the Defence Force is allowed to deteriorate.

Thousands of Northlanders gathered at dawn services from from Te Kao to Warkworth to commemorate Anzac Day.

In Whangarei, a crowd of several hundred marched from the Whangarei RSA to join a similar number waiting for them at the cenotaph, where wreaths were laid in memory of the fallen.

Parade marshall retired Captain Bill Lillicrapp's said he enjoyed the atmosphere of the Anzac parade, because it involved old soldiers aged in their 80s and over, those who have served in East Timor, regular forces, and grandchildren.

"I think it's really nice to have such a wide range of people."

In Rotorua, around 1000 people braved the almost freezing weather to be part of the dawn service at Muruika Services Cemetery.

Rotorua District Court Judge Chris McGuire paid tribute to Rotorua's heroes of war including the late Sergeant Haane Manahi who received a Distinguished Conduct Medal but has still not been recognised with a Victoria Cross despite efforts by his supporters

A chilling southerly wind did not deter several hundred people who turned out for the Taupo dawn parade which began with a march from the RSA at 5.50am.

The march weaved through the town centre to the Cenotaph at the Great Lake Centre where the dawn service was held.

Hundreds also gathered at dawn services throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Canterbury RSA spokesman Pat Duggan described the turnout in Christchurch as excellent. He told NZPA that several thousand spectators braved drizzle and "extremely cold" conditions to support between 800-1000 veterans from Cathedral Square.

"There were a hell of a lot of kids, and the spectators were really supportive of the veterans," he said.

In overseas commemorations, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark attended French, British and Turkish services on the Gallipoli Peninsula yesterday. Afterwards, she walked the rugged 4.5km track from the Chunuk Bair memorial down the hill to Anzac Cove, where Anzac troops landed and died in their thousands.

Helen Clark was to attend dawn and midday services at Chunuk Bair today, and would also be at the Australian national service at Lone Pine and a Turkish national service.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard was not scheduled to attend the New Zealand remembrance service at Gallipoli, preferring instead to go to a barbecue with Australian soldiers on Anzac Cove.

In England, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh are attending an Anzac Day service at London's Westminster Abbey. New Zealand Minister of Education Trevor Mallard will also be there.

Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland, Bishop Richard Randerson said in an Auckland Anzac memorial service that New Zealand's "politics of peace and inclusion" played a vital role in building a peaceful world.

He said because New Zealand was a small nation, it did not fall into the trap of seeking to wield power over others.

"Rather it makes a more sober assessment of its role as a team-player in peace-building, committing peace-keeping forces to the world's trouble spots, and resources for reconstruction in the aftermath of natural disasters."

Young people leaving New Zealand, as doctors, teachers, engineers and agricultural workers, to engage in the war against poverty and disease "make their contribution to peace just as surely as the veterans of Gallipoli", he said.

- additional reporting by NZPA and Newstalk ZB