A series of WW1 projects supported by Manurewa Local Board recognising the area’s veterans is helping ensure the sacrifices these men and women made are never forgotten.
As well as Anzac services in Manurewa next week, the local board has worked with the community and supported a range of projects.
Recognising the role of women
Earlier this year the local board unveiled a memorial plaque on a memorial dove tree and next month will host a special luncheon recognising the role of women in the war effort.
“From the nurses who treated the wounded to the women who kept the country going at home whilst their men were at war, the contribution of women in the war effort cannot be underestimated and this year we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge them,” says Manurewa Local Board member and chair of the local WWI committee, Stella Cattle.
She says the dove tree in the courtyard outside the library was chosen to represent peace and commemorates the sacrifices made by women of Manurewa and surrounding districts during the First World War.
Guests at the luncheon will include veterans’ wives and returned servicewomen, who will hear from with guest speaker Pamela Miley-Terry about her time as a nurse during the Vietnam war.
Working on a range of projects
Manurewa Local Board has committed funding and worked alongside the local WWI Committee and the Manurewa Returned Services Association on a range of projects. These include:
- Planting a tree on Halver Road to replace those planted when soldiers returned home but have since been removed
Production of three WWI special newspapers delivered to Manurewa households and Manurewa - Soldiers, a book dedicated to the sons and daughters of Manurewa who served in the Great War. Both these projects had additional funding from the local RSA and the Wiri Licensing Trust
- Unveiling of an ode in Te Reo Māori at Manukau Memorial Gardens
- WWI essay competition for local students
- Poppy exhibition at Nathan Homestead and a white cross display in the lead up to Anzac Day 2015
- Renaming of a section of Peguero Place to Pedestal Lane in recognition of a British mission in Malta dubbed Operation Pedestal in which Manurewa residents participated
- Veterans’ luncheons and supporting Armistice and Anzac Day commemorations.
Find out about Anzac Day services across Auckland this year.
