Editorial: Right time to reassess Anzac Day

Rotorua does Anzac Day well.

When it comes to commemorating Anzac Day, Rotorua does an amazing job.

We are very fortunate to have been able to join together as a community for many years at a very special and significant site - Muruika Cemetery in Ohinemutu - for our dawn parade.

And for those who can't make it to the outdoor ceremony we also have the Civic Memorial Service later in the morning.

Not to mention the many more commemoration services held at various marae and in rural areas around the rohe.

It would seem that a good portion of the district's population get involved in Anzac commemorations each year on April 25 and witnessing this year's turnout, this will probably not change much in the coming years.

But, like anything that's been around for a long period, it's always good to reassess and decide if anything needs a tweak.

Mayor Steve Chadwick said this does not mean the city has to drop one of its major commemoration events, just that it could be the right time to sit down and talk about the future of Anzac Day in the city.

For me, and many thousands of Rotorua residents, I would be loath to even contemplate any change to the dawn parade, which also exemplifies the spirit of tatau tatau - we together.

If anything, I believe there is some scope to make changes to the Civic Memorial Service, whether that be shortening the ceremony, holding it later in the day or moving it to a different venue.

We could also think about involving our small Turkish community in future, as well.

There is plenty to consider.

But this is also a conversation for the whole Rotorua community.

Anzac is one of those events that's become sacred to New Zealanders, for some it holds greater significance than Waitangi Day.