“Due to their tightly cemented nature and the scarcity of hard, durable rocks in the Wimbledon-Herbertville area, these stones were a natural and practical choice for the memorial.
“Over time, these rocks have tumbled through sand and surf, gradually forming the smooth, rounded shapes seen in the memorial today.”
To establish the structure’s shape, a vertical pole was erected at the centre, and three ropes were tied from its top to the ground, marking the corners of a triangular pyramid.
Each face of the triangle holds symbolic meaning.
The triangle facing the morning sun honours those who fell.The side facing the midday sun pays tribute to those who served.The triangle facing the dark side serves as a reminder of the shadow and cost of war.
The memorial was officially unveiled in 1926 by Sir Alfred Ransom, the Deputy Prime Minister at the time.
Tararua District Mayor Scott Gilmore acknowledged the “incredible work” of local RSAs (Returned and Services Associations) in bringing communities together for services across the district.
“Anzac Day remains a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of our communities.
“It is a time to reflect not only on our past, but also on the values we carry forward.”
Gilmore said elected members would attend commemorations across the district.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.