Overseas guests honour ANZAC Day parade2 min read

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The Onehunga ANZAC Day parade received a touch of international flair when two British visitors joined in the commemoration.

Steve and Sue George, former service members from England, are visiting family in Onehunga. Originally planning a visit to New Zealand in January, the couple rescheduled their trip due to a family emergency, deliberately choosing April to coincide with ANZAC Day.

Steve served with the British Army, and Sue, a former member of the Women’s Royal Air Force, hail from the Sawston and District branch of the British Legion (equivalent of the RSA) in Cambridgeshire. They marched alongside local veterans, and laid a wreath during the commemoration service on behalf of their home club.

Reflecting on the experience, Steve described it as an “absolute honour” to participate, while Sue admitted to getting “shivers” during parts of the ceremony.

For the second consecutive year, the parade went the opposite direction to tradition, starting at Club Onehunga and ending at St Peters Church for the commemoration service. A feature of this year, was that most of the crowd joined the march along the route, and after the service, several people headed back to Club Onehunga for the ANZAC Day entertainment.

The service was led by Reverend Bob Hornburg, and guest speakers included MP for Maungakiekie, Greg Fleming, and co-chair of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, Debbie Burrows.

Terry Burnett delivered the address, Dayne Townsend read ‘The Poppy’ and spoke of her son who is currently serving as a signaller. Peter Rhodes and Rangi Walsh read ‘The Ode’ in both English and Māori, accompanied by Jeremy Tu’itavake of the Maamaloa Brass Band performing ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Revelle.

Flag bearer Able Seaman Pagia Wilson leads the veterans, including Steve (with red wreath) and Sue George.