Despite some concerns about weather, we were able to successfully run our SS Otaki Commemorative Service on Monday March 9. It was again very pleasing to see the significant turn out of people for this event, including His Excellency, Dr Richard Davies, Vice Regal Consort; Her Excellency, Ms Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner to Aotearoa New Zealand; Mr Atul Bhardwaj, representing the High Commission of India; Captain Quentin Randall, RNZN, Deputy Chief of Navy; Merchant Navy representatives and two 100 year old veterans from the Arctic Convoy Club, as well as the Mayor and representatives from Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, RSA and our Community Board.
The Principal's opening address from the ceremony, outlining the context of the 2026 Service can be read here.
All the photos can be viewed here.