Rangiora Students ‘Freshen Up’ Anzac Commemorations

Friday, 11 April 2025, 8:22 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Rangiora High School students are looking to ‘‘freshen up’’ the way it commemorates Anzac Day.

Board of trustees presiding member Simon Green said he is impressed with how this year’s head students have taken the initiative to make this year’s Anzac Day service into more of ‘‘a community celebration’’.

‘‘It is an emotional day,’’ Mr Green said.

‘‘But I like the initiative our head students are taking.

‘‘It is more about building connections and celebrating with the community and I think that is pretty awesome.’’

The school has a long tradition of hosting a commemoration service on Anzac Day to remember former pupils who gave their lives in conflicts overseas.

It is held at the school’s Court of Memories, which was built in the early 1950s using funds raised by the Ex-Pupils' Association.

A plaque contains the names of around 70 former pupils who lost their lives in World War 1 and 2 and more recent conflicts, including Jacinda Baker, an army medic who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.

The whānau of two former students who lost their lives in conflicts continue to attend the Anzac Day service, Mr Green said.

Head boy David Moore, 16, says Anzac Day is a special day for the school.

‘‘I think it is really important to honour and remember those who sacrificed their lives and show gratitude with the life we live now.’’

David and head girl Arwen McMurtrie, 17, will be giving speeches on Anzac Day, along with principal Bruce Kearney, who had served in the artillery.

The four deputy head students, all aged 17, have roles, with Eli Brookfield and Kallani Waghorn, reading the roll of honour, Will Bint, reading the poem In Flanders Fields and Tayla Dixon offering opening and closing karakia.

The boy’s first 15 rugby team will perform a haka and assist with handing out poppies.

Eli said the student leaders plan to make Anzac Day more of a community occasion, by offering tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a sausage sizzle before the 9am service.

‘‘We want to make it a short and snappier memorial,’’ he said.

‘‘You’ve got to give teenagers some motivation to get out of bed on a day off.

‘‘It is about how we keep the traditions, but also make it relevant for today and we want students to feel like they can come.’’

It will be a busy few weeks for the head students, organising three Anzac ceremonies for 1750 students during the last week of term this week, helping out with Poppy Day collections and supporting the Rangiora RSA with its Anzac Day service immediately after their own service.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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