Around 100 people gathered at the Māori Anzac Service at Pākaitore on Sunday. Photo / Lewis Gardner
A ceremony to commemorate the efforts of Māori servicemen and women took place at Pākaitore on Sunday, with a large group of descendants of troops lost at war paying their respects.
The service, held every Anzac Day at the memorial site in Pākaitore, is one of the oldest Māori services
in the country, just as Whanganui's dawn service is also one of the longest-running.
The service specifically commemorates the efforts of Te Hokoehitu a Tu, the Māori Pioneer Battalion, as well as the 28th (Māori) Battalion.
Bathed in sunlight, albeit with some wind, attendees at Sunday's ceremony heard from many speakers, including Whanganui kaumātua John Maihi ONZM and Reverend Bernard Broughton.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Rangi Maniapoto, the chair of the 28th Māori Battalion Associate D Company, Whanganui branch.