Waihi commemorates Armistice

Krishna Buckman trying out the Peace Wings soon after they were erected next to the Poppy Fence on the Martha mine Pit Rime Walkway. Supplied image.

Waihi residents are in the midst of Armistice Day commemorations.

For the last three weeks the Memorial Hall in Waihi has been a centre of activity as residents and visitors of the town, have attended various functions and activities to learn more about the town's contribution to World War One.

The walls of the hall feature images of Waihi men and over 2,800 poppies, each individually crocheted or knitted for these events. The culmination of these activities happens this Friday and over the weekend.

Kicking off the celebrations has been a dedication of the Peace Wings installation, which took place at the Cornish Pumphouse on Friday November 9.

The wings are more than four metres in width, have been painted by students from local schools, many of whom have been part of the dedication.

The event is followed by another dedication today, of the Tunnelling Company embroidered and quilted cloak, created by local embroiderers.

The dedication takes place outside the Memorial Hall this morning before being flown to Wellington to be worn in official Armistice commemorations.

The culmination of commemorative activities will take place on Sunday November 11, starting at 6.00am and running through to mid-afternoon. Members of public are invited to join in all of them or pick a selection. Details can be found on Facebook.

Project Coordinator Sue Baker Wilson says Waihi Heritage Vision has set up a special ‘Waihi Armistice 100' group that has been working for the last six months to prepare for the weekend's events.

'A hundred years ago local men left their wives, sweethearts and families to serve in a war on the other side of the world. Many did not return.

'November 11 of this year is the centennial of the Armistice which ended the ‘War to End all Wars'. The Memorial Hall has been decorated by the Waihi Armistice 100 committee with help from a huge number of local groups, individuals and businesses.”

Members of the public are invited to attend any of the events starting this Friday and continuing through to Sunday afternoon.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.