At the going down of the sun and in the morning

In Gallipoli

Meaghan Li	Robin Klitscher

Around New Zealand

Sam Maniapoto	Marian Barclay	James Rance	Carterton School
Emily Reid

Welfare/support

Well, the ‘Fat Lady’ has indicated that she will shortlybe taking the stage to sing her final aria in this show.  And what a show it has been! It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have shared the experiences, and emotions, and words from the children who have yet to learn the full meaning [...] Read the full story»

Home, Sweet Home!

Chilly Auckland breeze, Black Knight licorice, my own bed. These are the things that I have been craving for the past two weeks, and my does it feel amazing to be home again! It is currently 2AM on a school night, and the jet-lag and constant travelling has really taken its toll. After we left Penang, we [...] Read the full story»

Welfare/support

The Field of Remembrance in Whangarei was restored to its original lawn in the centre of town  at dawn on Tuesday. About 150 people attended, including many schoolchildren. After short prayers and blessings, groups of cadets and school pupils reverently lifted the crosses for removal and storage. The information attached to the crosses will be [...] Read the full story»

Anzac Assembly

On Friday we had a special  anzac day assembly. There were lots on visitors and a man playing on his trumpet, he was really good at it, then we had a minute of silence and a poem. Later we watched a video about war and one of our teachers told us about her family and when [...] Read the full story»

Thursday 29 April, Istanbul, Dubai, & Penang

Haven’t been able to blog as internet access has been difficult to access! We left Canakkale on the day after ANZAC Day and endured a six hour bus ride into Istanbul. We stayed at the breathtaking Crowne Plaza Hotel, which came fully equipped with an indoor pool, gym, sauna, steambath, and Turkish bath. We spent the [...] Read the full story»

Sunday 25th April, Gallipoli

“We will remember them.” This phrase resonated around the banks of Gallipoli Peninsula in remembrance of the soldiers of all nationalities who landed there ninety-five years ago. The occasion was one of mourning, one of reflection, but most importantly a celebration of the perseverance of the human spirit. My heart goes out to the three men who lost their [...] Read the full story»

Poppies at Chunuk Bair for the Crew of the Iroquois

Yesterday 24 April the contingent attended three services on the Peninsula. First there was the Turkish ceremonial at their memorial at Mehmetcik Abidesi near Cape Helles. This included massed bands from Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. It also included a truly fascinating performance by a national Turkish military band in a colourful range of traditional [...] Read the full story»

Welfare/support

The fat lady has not yet sung, so the show is not over, and there will still be plenty for some of us to talk about! Last night I was invited to guest on ZB talkback. Much of the call-back talk was regarding the white poppies. While I listened, 100% support for Red, 0% for White. [...] Read the full story»

The Day we remember them

Hearing  the trumpet brought tears to a lot of peoples eyes. Dropping our heads in remembrance and we lay flowers on the cenotaph. We stand in silents for one minute. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. When it is finished we march back to the R.S.A  for drinks and nibbles  and refreshments. I felt a little bit [...] Read the full story»

This We Salute

To stand on the beach at Anzac Cove is to wonder at – even to marvel at – how so many men were landed across its very slender depth under the guns of the defenders. How they were then maintained ashore for nine months of battle is also something we might ponder. The beach may be a little [...] Read the full story»