Waitara Returned and Services Association - Inc.

05/06/2026

Remembering the thousands of NZ Airmen and Sailors who supported the Allied forces (RAF / Royal Navy/ Merchant Navy) in the Normandy Landing.

It's estimated that approx 10,000 New Zealanders were in support as part of the Battle for Europe.

Today we pay our respects and thank them for their Service.

We will remember them.

05/06/2026

Hello Members,

The Committee have decided to have a mid-year catch up with you all and see how everyone is going leading up to the winter months.
The night will be Semi Formal - no medals etc and hope to have a sit-down social meal and a few drinks to re connect and meet new members and to recognize our newest Life Member.

Please see details below;

Save the Date
SATURDAY, JULY 18 2026
A mid-winter get together in the Raleigh Restaurant.
Mix and Mingle from 6.00pm
Sit down for dinner at 6.30pm
Cost: $10 contribution per member - please advise of any special dietary requirements.
Dress: Tidy casual
RSVP Friday July 10 - Via email to [email protected]

After Dinner Entertainment
All Blacks V Ireland

We hope to see you all there and please advise of any questions or special requirements.

30/05/2026

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360985998/so-arrogant-veteran-slams-defence-force-refusing-track-down-22000-unclaimed-wwii-medals

NZDF says its impractical to find relatives of veterans

09/05/2026

VE day (Victory over Europe)
Great turnout this morning to pay our respects and commemorate the ending of the War in Europe.
Big thank you to the committee once again for the set up, catering and support.

Notable thanks to our Vice President, Gavin Bennett for his hard work in setting up a display showcasing some of the history surrounding the end of the Second World War - Well done mate.

Great to see other RSA club members and NP President Graham Chard and Wife Karen show their support.
We look forward to combining arms together as local RSA's for future activities.

Ake Ake Kia Kaha

09/05/2026

Hello members and families,
The Waitara RSA has recently been handed a set of non mounted medals that were found on Anzac day between the Waitara bridge and Owae Marae. If anyone knows who these belong too or if any families have noticed them misplaced, please let one of the committee members know. Details of the specific Service medals will only be disclosed to those who approach one of our team. We hope to find the family or owner.
Thank you
Wade McFarlane
President

05/05/2026

Hello members and families,

This Saturday, 09 May, the Waitara RSA will hold a service at 11am to commemorate Victory over Europe (VE day) recognizing the end of WW2 in Europe.
It would be great to see our members and community pop in to pay respects to the 140,000 Troops, Sailors and Airforce personnel that served overseas during WW2.
A short service will be held starting at 11am followed by light snacks and refreshments at the club afterwards.
Hope to see as many of you there 👍

29/04/2026

Hello members, families and our community. If anyone would like to post any amazing pictures taken from either of our Services held on Anzac day it would be appreciated. We had a great turnout for both Services and we appreciate your continued support to pay tribute to our past and forge strong bonds for our future.
Please post your pictures in comments.

28/04/2026

JOIN OUR NATIONAL STORIES TEAM!

Help Us Tell Their Stories
At the NZ Remembrance Army, every grave matters — and every name has a story worth telling.

Across New Zealand, there are over 500,000 servucs people laid to rest in our cemeteries. To us, every one of them is important.
We’re looking for story writing volunteers to help us bring those lives back into the light.

Do you:

Have a service relative buried in a New Zealand cemetery?

Walk past a service grave and wonder who they were?

Know of a local identity or someone with an incredible service story?

We’d love you to share it.

Our work is about more than restoration — it’s about remembering the person behind the headstone.

We have a simple guide to help you write stories in a way that works well for our page and audience, and our team is always here to support you.

If you’ve ever wanted to contribute, this is a great place to start.

Just send us a message or get in touch — we’d love to have you involved.

Together, we make sure they are never forgotten.

Lest we forget.

26/04/2026