Invercargill RSA secretary Cindy Kennedy said despite the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions the association decided to cancel the traditional event at the cenotaph as a way of protecting members of the community.
"This decision has not been made lightly, but we strongly believe that it is best to be cautious during this pandemic," she said.
The cancellation of Invercargill’s Anzac Day event would not diminish the remembrance of the city’s fallen and returned soldiers, she said.
Invercargill RSA and Awarua RSA would be encouraging people to mark the day with a Stand at your Gate service from their homes instead.
A prerecorded service would be streamed for all in Southland and, as happened in 2020 — when Anzac Day parades across the country were cancelled due to the lockdown — people would be asked to stand at their gates at home to remember the fallen, she said.
They were also encouraging people to place poppies on their fences, windows and paddocks during next month and at the cenotaph after the online service.
"We want to keep everyone safe and the idea is to avoid larger gatherings.
"Everyone can place their poppies at the cenotaph in their own time."
She said Anzac Day was a sacred day for New Zealand and its importance would continue.
"We wish it to remain known as a day to commemorate and acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices of thousands of New Zealanders."
-- LUISA GIRAO
