Anzac Day dawn services were well attended in Wānaka and Lake Hāwea this morning (Tuesday April 25).

Wānaka master of ceremonies Commander Lyal Cocks (RNZN Rtd) acknowledged past and present servicemen and women and an Anzac alliance that spans more than one hundred years.

“It is always good to get together on this day to remember the sacrifices made by those in the past, and those that are still making sacrifices and contributions to the defence of our country,” Lyal said.

Mount Aspiring College student Laura Watkins (17) addressed those attending the dawn service in Wānaka, reflecting on the beauty of our environment and the freedom that enables us to enjoy it.

Laura Watkins addressing attendees in Wānaka. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“As a 17-year-old with previous generations that have gone before me and hopefully future generations to come, I take my role as a young woman seriously to reflect upon and respect and be grateful for the freedoms I am able to have because of the men and women that sacrificed their lives,” she said.

Laura mentioned her great uncle Jock Faris, a pilot with the New Zealand Air Force, who at the age of 21 lost his life serving in north Africa.

The Lake Hāwea dawn service attracted almost 1,000 people, many of whom travelled from Wānaka and Albert Town.

A feature of today’s services was a fly past by Tiger Moth biplanes. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Hāwea District Anzac Committee member John Taylor said the official count was 941: the township’s biggest Anzac crowd to date.

PHOTO: Andy Woods

“It was just staggering,” he said.

“Over the last three years we’ve had crowds of around 800. The numbers boosted after the [Christchurch] mosque attack. “

The morning was still and the dawn sky was stunning.

“It was a beautiful service, we’re just so grateful for the people who participate in it,” John said.

Highlights included guest speaker Petty Officer Ben Jamieson, sisters Elsie and Merritt Graham of Hāwea Flat School remembering their great grandad, and the Hāwea District Roll of Honour read by year six student Stella Kearns.

The Lake Hāwea Anzac memorial this morning. PHOTO: Quentin Smith 

There were three pipers, and local bugle player Danny Mollan. The New Zealand national anthem was sung by Hāwea Flat School teacher Bella Cubitt and the Australian anthem by Hāwea musician Anna Rowley.

“We’re just so grateful and proud of the local community participation we get and the willingness of the people who come out,” John said.

Three tiger moths flew over the crowd at the conclusion of the service, led by Peter Hendriks.

The service was followed by a cooked breakfast at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre provided by the Lake Hāwea Men’s Shed.