Council grants RSA $10,000 for WW1 commemoration work

Council has approved a one-off grant of $10,000 to help Paraparaumu RSA & Community Club raise community awareness of and participation in the district’s World War One (WW1) centenary commemorations.

A national programme of events is taking place between 2014 and 2018 to honour those who served in, and were affected by, the war. 

In Kāpiti, the main focus will be Armistice Day, 11 November 2014 and ANZAC Day, 25 April 2015. Council will work with the RSA to plan and deliver both events.

Mayor Ross Church says the scale and public expectations of events will be much greater during the centenary.

“These are extraordinary events requiring a significant contribution from both Council and the RSA to ensure the district meets its obligations as part of national commemorations. 

“For example, the RSA will be promoting much greater public participation than usual in Armistice Day, not just this year but for the next four years.

“This grant will assist the RSA to meet the community’s expectations of its role and responsibilities during the WW1 centenary.”

Paraparaumu RSA president Chris Turver says Council’s financial contribution is well-timed and appreciated as planning has already started for the main commemorative events. The RSA has invited Council to become a partner in the organisation and management of the next four Armistice and ANZAC Day services.

“Given the increasing public interest in re-discovering the history of family caught up in WW1, and tracking down their lost medals, we anticipate greater interest than usual and will need help with crowd and traffic control.”

Mr Turver says while the emphasis will be on commemorating those who never came home from the war, the RSA  also wants to celebrate life after the main ANZAC Day services by staging a major ANZAC Day Show.

“It will showcase the positive achievements of Kāpiti through the work of young people, local clubs, service organisations, support groups and essential services and remind us all that Kāpiti is in good hands for the future.”