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RSAs preparing for quietest Anzac day for some time

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 24 Apr 2019, 5:50AM
Around 60 events around the country have been cancelled so police can better guard the remaining events in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.
Around 60 events around the country have been cancelled so police can better guard the remaining events in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.

RSAs preparing for quietest Anzac day for some time

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 24 Apr 2019, 5:50AM

RSAs around the country are preparing for what will likely be the quietest Anzac Day for quite some time.

Around the country, 60 events have been cancelled so police can better guard the remaining events in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.

Nearly 70 per cent of Auckland's services have been cut, with only 26 taking place instead of the regular 84.

RSA National President, BJ Clark, said they've been advised by police, so they have to be sensible.

"At the end of the day, we were faced with a decision. While a lot of people will not be happy with the decision, from a responsible position that we were placed in, we had no choice."

However, Clark is still not happy about it.

"There's been no event that we've cancelled on Anzac Day any other year, this is one out of the bag. Am I happy about it? No."

In Christchurch itself, their main dawn service event will be taking place in Cranmer square with a boosted security presence.

Christchurch RSA president, Pete Dawson, said people should come along.

"Come out, respect the service and the sacrifices that have been given to make our country what it is today, and just be part of the dawn service."

He said health permitting the veteran will be leading the march from the RSA to the square.

"The head of the parade will be Bill Mitchell, our 106-year-old veteran. He will be riding in an Air Force jeep, which is appropriate as he was World War Two Air Force."

One event in Sydenham has been called off to allow police to provide appropriate support for large gatherings.

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