Hazel Stewart (85), from Motueka, her sister Kathleen Coates (83), of Tauranga, and Betty Ritchie (82), of Ashburton - all made the journey to Portobello at the weekend to be at the unveiling of a memorial to the seven local men, including three of their respective brothers, who died in World War 2.
They were joined at Portobello by Don Parsons and Nita Dick, the brother and sister of another soldier named on the memorial, Private Henry Parsons, and extended family members of many of the men listed.
Mrs Coates said she had "a job not to cry" during the poignant service, when the memorial which includes the names of two of her and Mrs Stewart's brothers, John and Sydney McCartney, was unveiled.
"It's absolutely amazing. It is fabulous to have their memorial out here where everyone can see it."
The men's names have previously only been listed on a roll of honour inside the Portobello Hall, which is locked and not easily accessible to the general public.
Mrs Coates said the service, attended by 250 people, was difficult as it brought back a lot of old memories.
"It was just so hard losing two brothers like that."
Mrs Stewart said she was pleased to have made the long journey south, despite her deteriorating health.
She was not intending to attend until her family in Australia heard about the service on Tuesday and her grandson was dispatched to make sure she got to Portobello.
Mrs Ritchie said she was 18 when her 21-year-old brother Private Owen Gardner, to whom she was close, was killed in action.
"This is the first time we could do something for my gorgeous brother. I adored him."
Mrs Coates said the weekend was also nice because she got to catch up with "the girls", her old schoolmates, some of whom she had not seen in 70 years.
The woman were all grateful to Broad Bay woman Laurel Dunn, who had organised for the memorial to be erected.
"She has done an absolutely fabulous job. We are just so thankful," Mrs Ritchie said.
