Editorial: Respect will not change

Cover feature for the Aucklander on ANZAC day 2004. PHOTO BY AMOS CHAPPLE/THE AUCKLANDER. NZH 24apr06 - BOP 26apr06 -

As most people will be aware by now, Anzac Day is being "Monday-ised" this year.

This means that Anzac Day will be celebrated on Saturday. Dawn parades and Anzac ceremonies will be held on this day, as we have set out on page 3 today. But, for the first time, New Zealanders will take the following Monday off, as a public holiday, in recognition of Anzac Day.

The Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and Anzac Day) Amendment Act 2013 came into force on January 1, 2014.

Anzac Day 2015 is the first year it will be applied. The "Monday-isation" won't happen again until 2020, when April 25 again falls on a Saturday.

Waitangi Day has also been "Monday-ised". So, next year, when February 6 falls on a Saturday, Waitangi celebrations will be held on that day, and on the Monday, the country will take the day off. It will not happen again until 2021.

Initial opposition to the idea of Monday-isation focused on the lack of respect accorded to the occasion by shifting it. But as many pointed out, Anzac Day will still be marked on April 25, much as Christmas is celebrated on December 25 no matter which day of the week it falls on.

For employees who would normally work on a Saturday, April 25 will be a public holiday. Retailers who normally have to close on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and half of Anzac Day cannot open before 1pm on April 25, even though for many Monday will be the public holiday.

Anzac Day in 2015 is especially significant - it marks 100 years since the April 25, 1915, Gallipoli landing.

Everyone with a little extra time this long weekend might consider paying their respects on Saturday at one or more of Rotorua's Anzac events.

It is little sacrifice next to that made by our forebears.

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