ANO Anzac Flyer.indd

Commemorating Anzac Day 2018 Hon Alfred Ngaro, National List MP based in Te Atatu

Only one word describes it. “Hell” “Cold shower bath to start and end the day….Often slept on the deck….Stacked kits, had lectures, washed clothes, physical drill, rifle and signalling drill, fire drill, church parade….the heat has been terrific…I’ve been in a fierce sweat all day….The bayonets were sharpened…marched for two hours with our great coats …sore feet…biggest bombardment I’ve ever seen… the Australians put up a great fight…our trenches were levelled…only one word describes it. “Hell”….God has given me the strength to go this far and I only hope he continues to guide and protect me in the future.”

These words from James O’Meara remind us of the cost and tragedy of war. ‘Lest we forget’ powerfully challenges us to avoid making the same mistakes and to live our lives with the values of love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. It is encouraging to see a new generation of young people, Rangeview and Henderson Intermediate, take an interest in honouring these stories of sacrifice for ANZAC. Included inside is a recipe for ANZAC biscuits and the poem Flanders field. I look forward to joining you once again on April the 25th, from the dawn service at Waikemete cemetery to all three RSA services, Swanson, Te Atatu and Henderson.

Extracts from the dairy of James O’Meara, from Swanson, who served as a Rifleman with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 1st Battalion in WWI, and died of wounds in France on 11 June 1917.

Warm regards, Alfred Ngaro

Henderson Intermediate Honouring our Veterans

Rangeview Intermediate Anzac service

Henderson Intermediate School Council invited Auckland Combined District RSA president, and Henderson RSA member Mr Pat Johnson, to speak to students at Assembly about the significance of Anzac Day, and to encourage students to wear their poppy on their uniform, and participate in the ANZAC parade on 25th April.

Every year Rangeview Intermediate students organise a service to honour fallen soldiers. Guest speakers from the NZ Armed Forces spoke about their own experiences, and read excerpts from diaries of veterans from both World Wars. The school’s Kapa Haka group performed a moving tribute, and the ceremony concluded with the Last Post.

Pictured here: Head Students Jonathan Leiataua and Keziah Ripley-Cowan (right, Deputy Head students Kalani Matthes and Wesley Paongo, with Mr Pat Johnson)

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the funs below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and we lie In Flanders Fields

Alfred Ngaro and Ian Jepson selling poppies for local RSA

Anzac Biscuits Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields

The soldier I have helped to initiate the remembrance of Pacific soldiers. This painting reflects the story of 500 Cook Island soldiers who served in WW1 under the Maori Pioneer Battalion. Initially they served in logistics digging trenches and tunnels but eventually were given guns where they heroically fought with Kiwi soldiers.

Local Anzac Services 2018 Waikumete Dawn Parade and Service Parade assembly: 5.45am at Cenotaph Service: 6am at Cenotaph, Waikumete Cemetery, Corner Great North Road and Glenview Road, Glen Eden Waikumete Civic Parade and Service Parade assembly: 10.45am at Cenotaph Parade commences: 11am Service: 11am at Cenotaph, Waikumete Cermetery, Corner Great North Road and Glenview Road, Glen Eden

Anzac biscuits have long been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established in World War I. The biscuits were sent by wives and women's groups to soldiers abroad because the ingredients do not spoil easily and the biscuits kept well during naval transportation. Below is a family recipe contributed by Te Atatu resident Chris Geddes: • • • •

1 cup of flour 1 cup desiccated coconut 1 cup of oats 1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/2 cup of white sugar 1 tspn baking soda 115g butter 2 tbsp golden syrup

Preheat the oven at 180°C. Mix all dry ingredients. Mix separately baking soda in a slurp of hot water. Heat butter mixed with golden syrup. When very warm, pour in soda mixture – this will foam up the wet contents. Pour the wet contents into the dry mixture and mix well. Drop balls of the mixture (3-4cm diameter) onto baking paper, flatten slightly with a floured fork, then cook for between 12-15mins until golden brown. Biscuits will spread to about double their size, so space accordingly on tray.

Swanson Parade and Service Parade assembly: 8.45am at Swanson Primary School Parade commences: After assembly Service: 9am at Swanson RSA, 663 Swanson Road, Swanson Te Atatu Peninsula Parade and Service Parade assembly: Te Atatu Community House carpark, 580 Te Atatu Road Parade commences: 9.40am Service: 10am at Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre, 595 Te Atatu Road Henderson Civic Parade and Service Parade commences: 11.15am at Fire Station, Railside Avenue Service: 11.30am at Henderson RSA, 66-70 Railside Avenue, Henderson

Hon Alfred Ngaro, National List MP based in Te Atatu Level 1, 288 Te Atatu Road • P 09 834 3676 • E [email protected] Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Alfred Ngaro, 288 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū South.

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