Anzac Day services in Porirua
A relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions means Anzac Day could be a busy day in Porirua.
Two dawn services are planned in the city on 25 April, at Titahi Bay and the Porirua RSA in McKillop St (both from 6am), with the Porirua civic service to be held at the Peace Memorial at Te Rauparaha Park from 9am. The parade will begin to gather at 8.30am. Commemorations will take place at St Alban’s Church, Pāuatahanui (10.15am), Takapūwāhia Marae and Titahi Bay, Whitehouse Rd, (10.30am) and Pukerua Bay Community Hall (11am, which is then followed by a wreath-laying at Whenua Tapu Cemetery from noon).
The public are welcome to attend any dawn parade or service but due to Omicron’s continued presence in the community it is hard to predict the numbers of people, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says. “We respect that some people may wish to stay home, with Covid-19 still out there, and high daily case numbers,” she says. “But for those that feel comfortable, we want to offer an opportunity to get together and mark this special day for our country. “I’ve always looked forward to the dawn parade and Porirua’s civic centre ceremony – it’s a chance to come together, and I especially love seeing the number of young faces that are attending Anzac Day. “It’s about pride and nationhood and our tamariki understand that more than ever.” Since 1916, services have been held around the country to mark the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli in Turkey on 25 April 1915, acknowledging the sacrifices and hardships made there and in subsequent conflicts around the world in the name of freedom.
Porirua’s civic service will be livestreamed on Facebook, for those who prefer to watch from home, and it will have a sign language interpreter.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
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