Lest we forget to mark Anzac

WHILE almost two-thirds of Anzac Day commemorative events have been cancelled in Auckland, there will be 186 services going ahead across the rest of the country.

The Returned and Services Association’s Shane Wratt said safety and security had been discussed with police nationwide in the wake of the March 15 Christchurch mosque shootings.

He was unaware of any services outside of the 58 Anzac Day events in Auckland being cancelled, which left just 26 services being held across that region.

Wratt said Auckland was a ‘‘different beast’’ due to its population and the number of small services that took place on Anzac Day.

‘‘We’ve been in conversations with police for some time and we’ve had collaborative conversations – we’re talking to experts who are giving us their opinions – but it’s up to RSAs to make the call,’’ Wratt said.

He believed Auckland RSAs were taking a ‘‘sensible approach’’ to Anzac Day events as the most important thing was for people to feel safe.

Police Superintendent Kathryn Malthus said there was ‘‘no information to suggest a specific risk to public safety at this time’’.

However, police had recommended to organisers that a number of planned events across Auckland be consolidated in the interests of public safety, she said.

‘‘In the current environment, police are continuing to provide a visible presence nationwide for the safety and reassurance of the community.

‘‘Police have been working closely with Auckland Council and local RSAs around plans in the leadup to Anzac Day.’’

There would be a ‘‘high level of visible police presence’’ at each event ‘‘for the public’s reassurance’’, she said.

A list of RSA services can be viewed online at: www.rsa.org.nz/find-an-anzacservice