Levin RSA’s demise an embarrassment
The demise of yet another Returned Services Association in the greater Manawatu region is another shameful result for the area that hosts the military hub of New Zealand.
And yet it is hardly surprising given the state of affairs that many of the clubs find themselves in, 100 years on from the Association’s formation. Levin RSA Community Club’s main rooms in Bristol St and the Levin RSA Bowling Club facilities in Salisbury St were prepared for sale in May due to rising debt.
A last gasp of support, which could have lifted the club out of its immediate financial difficulties, and save the sales from going ahead, didn’t happen. On Saturday, the Levin RSA, after having a presence in the town since 1919, will play host to its final Last Post.
It is, unfortunately, a position that many RSAs around the country have found themselves in.
In 2012, Palmerston North RSA had to close its doors and call in the receivers, with the blame put on bad investments and ‘‘losing the original purpose of the organisation’’.
It is that purpose that could hold the answer to the future of the RSA as a national organisation.
One hundred years on from the RSA’s formation, the sentiment remains; New Zealanders do respect those who have gone before them and paid the ultimate sacrifice, and that has been evident throughout the commemorations held across the country to mark a century on from the Anzac military campaign at Gallipoli. But that sentiment doesn’t quite extend to supporting those who continue good work in the name of their fallen comrades – and that is where the RSAs have been falling over.
In an attempt to revive interest in the clubs, the RSA has been doing a huge push towards attracting younger Kiwis to join up – pushing the fact that you don’t need military links to get involved. But is it too little, too late? More than 3500 defence force personnel are posted in the Manawatu region. We should be proud to host these men and women because of the work they do and the role they play in our wider community.
We should want to share a drink with them and support their sacrifice, just as we did for the veterans before them. Hopefully renewed interest in New Zealand’s military history from the centenary commemorations will create a momentum that will see a revival in these important community links and the rebirth of a new and improved RSA.