The Anzac day commemorations in our Eastern Bay of Plenty community were disrupted by adverse weather conditions

We were to kick start the next stage of our shared histories project at Anzac Day commemorations at Whakatane High School, but the intrusion Cyclone Debbie and cyclone Cook with storms and flooding meant that these were cancelled due to the closure of school at that time.

The actual Anzac Day fell in the middle of the holidays and students attended different ceremonies around the area.

The Dawn ceremony was held in town as well as various marae around the area.

Wairaka Marae was well attended and relatives of those in our group featured.

Te Rewa Rewa marae, at Ruatoki, always recognises its strong connections with the French in its ceremonies.