ANZAC day in New Zealand

ELTO Intake 30 members visit the Ministry of Culture and Heritage

On ANZAC Day, 25 April 2010, Kokaneath Chhim from Cambodia joined the public at a memorial service in Wellington. She writes about this special day.

We went to the National War Memorial at 10.30 in the morning of ANZAC Day for the Wreath Laying Ceremony. There was a formal military parade to welcome His Excellency Governor-General and his wife and the Acting Prime Minister. We stood in front of them and could see them clearly. It was absolutely fantastic to see New Zealand’s high ranking politicians and diplomats from other countries.

The ANZAC day commemorated the 95th anniversary of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Gallipoli campaign. The ceremony that followed included wreath laying, praying, and scripture reading and remembrance speeches.

After the event I went to my conversation partner, Emily’s place which is located in Mount Victoria. Then, we made ANZAC biscuits together with her boyfriend who is from Turkey. He is also remembered the citizens of his country at that time because the Gallipolli Campaign took place in Turkey. We had a nice chat together about ANZAC day. The ANZAC biscuits were really delicious with hot tea.

I also visited the forested hill on Mount Victoria behind the house where some scenes from The Lord of Rings films were shot in New Zealand. I had seen it and when I saw the forest I could picture it. The trees are absolutely gorgeous, it looks like a secret place and it’s really suitable for that kind of movie. That was the first time for me to have a lovely moment with Kiwi friends. I was so excited to have such a nice weekend.

ANZAC Biscuits recipe

You will need:

·         50g plain flour

·         50g rolled oats

·         50g coconut (flaked, dry)

·         100g caster sugar

·         75g butter

·         1 tablespoon golden syrup

·         1/2 teaspoon baking soda

How to:

Heat the oven to 150C. Lightly grease two trays.

Sift flour, combine with other ingredients except the bicarbonate of soda, butter and golden syrup and set aside.

Cut the butter into small pieces, place with the syrup in a saucepan and melt together, stirring. Then remove from heat.

Combine bicarbonate of soda with 1 tablespoon of water and blend in with the syrup and butter mixture.

Gradually mix in dry ingredients, until you have a consistent texture, and spoon onto the tray in dollop sizes of your choice.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes. Cool slightly then transfer to wire cooling rack, and enjoy with a cup of tea!

Han Doeuk describes the National War Memorial building

The Memorial is actually two buildings from two different eras. The art-deco Carillon tower opened on Anzac Day 1932, and the Hall of Memories was completed in 1964. The hall is entered via the vestibule at the base of the Carillon tower. Soaring columns on each side give a commanding impression of height and beauty, and stained glass windows create an attractive effect of colour and light. In the Carillion hang 74 bells which are played every weekday at noon, every Sunday at 2.30pm and on special occasions.

Sotheary Meach reports on her visit to the National War Memorial and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage a few days before ANZAC day.

As part of our ELTO course we visit workplaces which is an important part of learning about governance in New Zealand. We were very lucky to meet the Chief Executive of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Mr Lewis Holden who gave us a very warm welcome.

We learnt about the role of the role of the Ministry which is similar in my country. We visited the National War Memorial a place which commemorates all the New Zealanders who died in the South African War, the two World Wars and the conflicts in Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. I was interested in The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior because it is surrounded by a poem from the point of view of a person waiting at home for a soldier to return. When I read this poem I felt very sad and wanted to cry.  

You were away sorrow

 Aches within me

The great pain we feel is for you who were our future

Come back, return home

We have waited for you