The service began with the parading of the Anzac Remembrance New Zealand flag, which was raised by an HMNZS Toroa catafalque party and flew above the crowd throughout.
Welcoming people to the service, chaplain Leah Graefe said ‘‘in a world divided, we have chosen to gather together as a community to remember’’.
The Anzac address was presented by Australian representative Petty Officer John Constable, who highlighted the bonds of mateship between New Zealand and Australia, forged at Gallipoli and continuing to this day.
The Ode was read in te reo Māori by Montecillo staff member Angel Durham, and in English by Dunedin RSA President Gerry Costello.
Members of the Dunedin RSA Choir and Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass Band provided the musical elements of the service, leading the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia, hymns and a beautiful rendition of Last Post.
In his closing remarks, Montecillo Trust chairman David More had stern words of censure for world leaders, specifically United States President Donald Trump, for acting to destabilise the rules-based world order — hard won through the horrors of World War 2.
Mr More criticised the pre-emptive strike made by the US and Israel on Iran, which was unlawful under international law, which risked returning the world to the conditions that brought about World War 2.
This left New Zealand in a difficult position.
‘‘New Zealand today cannot force our will by military might — we can rely only on example and persuasion,’’ he said.
‘‘We owe it to those we honour today, who gave their lives in two world wars in the cause of freedom, to continue to uphold the rules of international law.’’
