Mangakino & Districts RSA

17/08/2026

31/07/2026

DITCHBURN Haydon John,
Service No. X17823, Store Chief Petty Officer, RNZN, Indonesia
Peacefully on 29th July 2026 at Rotorua Hospital. Aged 79 years.
Much loved father and father-in-law of Ross and Suzy, Karen and John. Adored grandad to Billy and Lucy.
A special brother to Harris, Keir and Arthur. A longtime friend to Carole.
A service for Haydon will be held at the Mangakino Club, 46 Wairenga Road, Mangakino on Thursday 6th August at 1:00 PM followed by burial at The Mangakino Cemetery.
A free live stream of the service can be accessed at https://live.swfs.co.nz/
South Waikato Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ P O Box 459, Tokoroa 3444

30/07/2026

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Haydon Ditchburn (service number X17823) Royal New Zealand Navy .1963-1977. Haydon lost his long health battle On Wednesday July 29th. Age 79. Our condolences to the Ditchburn family at this difficult time. We send our support.
Haydon was the president of the Mangakino RSA for 9 years 2012-2021.
Haydon funeral is to be held at the Mangakino Club inc Thursday 6th August at 1pm .
All RSA members who are able to attend are asked to wear RSA uniform please.

23/07/2026

We’re proud to announce that the Royal New Zealand RSA has signed on as a Gold Sponsor of the New Zealand Invictus Games Team for 2027.

The Invictus Games are about far more than competition. They use the power of sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and ill current and former service personnel, while building confidence, connection and resilience.

For many competitors, the journey to the Games can be every bit as important as the event itself. Training alongside others with shared experiences creates a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie, while helping participants and their whānau move forward following injury or illness.

Supporting the team is a natural extension of the RNZRSA’s commitment to standing alongside all those who have served. We’re looking forward to backing the team throughout their journey to Birmingham and cheering them on as they represent New Zealand on the world stage.

Photo Credit: NZDF

20/07/2026

✍️ We're Looking for Volunteer Writers

The New Zealand Remembrance Army has two incredible volunteer teams. One works in cemeteries restoring and caring for the graves of New Zealand's service men and women. The other helps tell their stories.

We're currently looking for 4–5 volunteer writers to join our writing team.

The role is completely flexible and can be done from anywhere in New Zealand. You can write at your own pace and choose subjects that interest you. That might be:

Your local cemetery or community

World War I or World War II

The Navy, Army or Air Force

A particular battalion, campaign or conflict

Individual veterans whose stories deserve to be remembered

There is no shortage of remarkable New Zealand military history waiting to be told.

Our page reaches between 1.5 and 2 million people every month, giving your research and writing a wide audience and helping ensure these stories are not forgotten.

If you enjoy research, history and writing, and would like to help preserve New Zealand's military heritage, we'd love to hear from you.

If you're interested in becoming part of the New Zealand Remembrance Army writing team, please send us a message.

08/07/2026

25/04/2026

Anzac day services at the Mangakino Club 2026. 200 people attended a warm and sunny service after the morning fog lifted. John Trueman sang to us and the guest speakers reminded us of the meaning of Anzac day. It was a delight to see the children of Whakamaru school, Maratori and Mangakino Schools ,Kohanga also played a big part in our service. Thank you to all the community who continue to remember and support the RSA .

14/04/2026

Attached is a QR code. This QR code redirects people to the RNZRSA donation page . In the background of this QR code is our Mangakino & District RSA. Any donations made to this code will be redirected back to Mangakino RSA at the end of April . We have 47 RSA members.10 are veterans who we do our very best to ensure they are looked after and supported with Sunday meals along with welfare checks . All funds we received go directly to the poppy trust account for ongoing support. We are all volunteers and if you would like to be part of the RSA or have served please reach out and let us know how we can help you . Poppies are on sale at the Chemist / Mko club and on the street on Friday. Thank you. Claire

14/04/2026

ANZAC day is 10 days away and planning is well underway.The RSA are cleaning the headstone of our past members at the cemetery today and then gathering to put the white cross,s up in town, on the Drs - Hospital hill . Please join us on the 25th April to remember all that have served in the past years and those who are still serving today in our Armed service. Poppies are on sale at the Chemist and Mko club so far and our collectors will be out in town this week and Whakamaru too. We will remember them .