Anzac traditions return to Devonport

Youth honouring the fallen… (clockwise from above) Belmont Primary choir the Bellbirds; Takapuna Grammar deputy head boy Hugo Sweetman (left) and head boy Liam Arthur-Hunt placed a wreath; Ida McAlpine (left) and Rhiannon McAnally from Bayswater School; and eight-year-old Celine Wu, who played the Last Post.

Several hundred people lined Victoria Rd to commemorate Anzac Day, in a return to a “normal service” after Covid-related disruptions for the last few years.

MC Chris Mullane said the community was “privileged to gather together” following the curtailment of ceremonies due to Covid.

Young people played a major part in proceedings, as has been a trend over recent years, with Belmont Primary School choir the Bellbirds leading the singing, and readings by Devonport Primary pupils Daniella Ramos and Noah Telara and Takapuna Grammar prefect Natasha Nowaczek. The Last Post was performed by eight-year-old Celine Wu.

Navy commander Richard Walker gave an address, Devonport RSA president Muzz Kennett read the Ode, and Navy Chaplain Glen Popata performed opening prayers, a karakia and the benediction.