Civic events and special occasions

Auckland Anniversary Regatta | Auckland City ANZAC Day ceremonies | Mayoral Fathers' Breakfast

Auckland Anniversary Regatta

The strong relationship between yachtsmen, the Waitemata Harbour, and Auckland's special occasions began on 18 September 1840, when Apihai te Kawau and his tribe sold a portion of their domain for a European enclave and the occasion was celebrated with three races: two for European boats, one for canoes.

Unofficial regattas were held each year until 1850 when the Auckland Anniversary Regatta was inaugurated to celebrate the town's founding. Since then it has been held yearly on the nearest Monday to 29th January.

The committee of Auckland citizens, who usually have a nautical interest, are flexible, catering for any class or individual boat which wishes to enter the regatta. The result: a mix of all age groups, and all clubs. Yachtsmen enjoy the competition, spectators enjoy watching the final preparations on the various beaches, and the race and attractive spectacle from the heights around our handsome harbour; both appreciate the fact that the regatta is an historical event. Overseas sailors can sometimes hitch a ride on a competing boat, but even the shorebound can enjoy the atmosphere.

Prizes are cash, and the honour of having one's name and boat engraved on one of the trophies which have been donated by supporters over the years. Two have been presented by the Auckland City Council, the most recent one specifically for youth. This is awarded each year to a competitor in the P or Optimist classes who is not necessarily a winner on the day but has been an outstanding performer during the previous year. All the cups are interesting - some now antiques. They can be viewed throughout the year at the Auckland Maritime Museum.

Auckland City ANZAC Day ceremonies

ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and NZ Army Corps, combined corps that served with distinction in World War I. The word 'Anzac' is still frequently used to describe any combined Australian and NZ endeavour.

On the morning of 25 April 1915, forces from New Zealand and Australia stormed the beaches of Gallipoli (Turkey) as part of an overall offensive by the Allies during World War I.

The campaign was a disaster with significant loss of life, the New Zealand and Australian forces being forced to withdraw by a fierce Turkish onslaught.

Since that time, New Zealand forces have been involved in other major conflicts ie. World War II, the Korean War, wars in Malaya and Vietnam.

It is on April 25th, Anzac Day, that citizens from both Australia and New Zealand participate in services of remembrance to honour the dedication and gallantry of their soldiers in all the nation's wars.

In Auckland City, the War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain is the focus for the annual Dawn Service of Remembrance and this is followed by a Citizen Service at 11 am. Both services are organised by the Auckland City Council in partnership with the Auckland Returned Services Association and the Vietnam Veterans Association.

On the hills of Gallipoli, red poppies grow in abundance and it is this poppy that symbolises these horrendous conflicts - imitation poppies being worn by those attending Anzac services of remembrance.

Mayoral Fathers' Breakfast

The Mayoral Fathers' Breakfast is held every year in the NZI Hall, Aotea Centre at The Edge in August. It is run in conjunction with Parents Inc, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making life better for parents and their families through their educational parenting programmes.

The breakfast has been held annually since 1994, with an average attendance of 700 men. The purpose of the breakfast is to encourage and inspire attendees in their important role as fathers.

Five diverse speakers have seven minutes each to address the attendees. In past years, speakers have included Dr Pita Sharples (Maori Educator/Leader), Ralph Norris (General Manager of ASB Bank and Air NZ), Sean Fitzpatrick (former All Black Captain), Graham Henry (Auckland Blues and All Blacks coach), Pio Terei (entertainer), Russell Hewitt (CEO of Hewlett Packard) and Craig Norgate (former CEO of Fonterra).

The breakfast starts at 7.15am and finishes at 8.30am sharp. Tickets can be purchased through Parents Inc. Ph: (09)524 0025.