It’s almost Anzac Day, a time of year when people across Hauraki-Coromandel pause and remember together. People in Ngatea, Waihī and Paeroa share their reflections and stories of what Anzac Day means to them with The Valley Profile’s Davidda Hikatangata and Nikki Sanders.
Flora Sandbrook: “It’s good to remember the sacrifice that had been made by others for our freedom here. [I’m] very thankful that New Zealand hasn’t been invaded and made to deal with the things so many people in Europe are dealing with, and people in the Middle East are dealing with.Because it’s the ordinary people in their towns and villages and homes that seem to end up having the brunt of the wars and they suffer. It is good to keep remembering.”
At 20-years-old, Danny Te Iri travelled with the New Zealand Regiment to Malaya for the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. That was in 1963.
The soldier from Paeroa recalls moments from back in time while he greets people down Paeroa’s main street on April 17 for the Poppy Appeal. The now 82-year-old war veteran told The Profile he did two tours in Borneo and also went to Vietnam.
“Now I’m home and I’m safe.”
Danny shifted home to Paeroa in 1981 and said he worked various jobs around the area such as the Toyota Factory in Thames, and also relief caretaker work for some of the schools around Hauraki such as Miller Avenue, Paeroa Central and Netherton.
The veteran, who was also a member of the Paeroa RSA, served with others from Paeroa and said they were part of the relieving battalion.
“We had to stay over there to train them, get them ready to go into battle,” he said.
“I always see my mate here, he comes in for a few beers and that, [and we] play pool. Just one of those things.” Danny, who was a father of five, said his daughter and her husband would head to Paeroa on Friday to be with him for Anzac Day.
Michael, of Ngatea, says Anzac is about remembering the soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli and looking out for your mates.
Tash, Diane and Michelle from Ngatea: Tash – Honouring the sacrifice of those who served and died in the war. Diane – Remembering those who have served and died in wars, conflicts and in peacekeeping. Michelle – Recognising our ancestors who went to war for us.
