Residents Ignore Traffic Management and March for Vets

By John Freer

To acknowledge their veterans, Waihi residents called on the support of local Police and fire fighters and snubbed traffic management, so they could march to their Civic ANZAC Day service.

As no-one wanted to cover the $4000 expense of traffic management, and march on the footpath, locals came together to make the street march happen.

Local fire fighters and Police officers kept the traffic at bay on both State Highway 2 and local streets, enabling locals, veterans, dignitaries, and a few horses to complete the parade.

The local RSA Club had sought the necessary funds from the Hauraki District Council which also turned down a similar application from the Paeroa RSA.

Councillors could not justify the expense instead asking that people walk on the footpath where no traffic management cost was required.

Cr Anne Marie Spicer said the parade went ahead just as they did before the days of traffic management plans, and she was proud of the town working together to honour those who served.

Local regional councillor Warren Maher walked in the parade, as did Mayor Toby Adams.

Cr Maher believed common sense prevailed with small town NZ taking control on what is over the top traffic control regulations.

He said it was an honour to be present and part of the parade up the main road, Police led those marching which included a pipe band, military personnel, members of local services followed by soldiers on horseback. The local fire brigade completed the traffic control.