On Saturday, 25 April 2026, at 10am, the Cromwell community will witness the first civic activity in the new Cromwell War Memorial Gardens as we commemorate ANZAC Day.
After a prolonged period, the soldier on the top of the Cenotaph plinth will become the centre of attention. During his absence, the RSA had the Morton family of Dunedin Monumental Masons carry out restorative work, and the lead work has been done to restore the monument to its original glory, Cromwell Returned Services Association president Denis Ryan, says.
“Several other features have undergone restoration, and the community should be pleasantly surprised with the new facility.
“There will be continued activity in the gardens as more work is done on other features, and the field gun will be removed temporarily following the Anzac service to allow for rust removal and a new coat of paint.”
The Central Otago District Council has been liaising closely with the Cromwell RSA over the last 12 months to ensure that the gardens respectfully commemorate the history of service from our community during the wars.
Mr Ryan says there will be special features which will become more obvious as the days shorten, and the community can be assured of a fitting tribute to the past sacrifices that were made.
“In honour, weather permitting, a flyover is planned during the service, so we have our hopes pinned on a clear sky.
“We expect a considerable number of the community will join us for the commemoration and the service will commence with the Cromwell RSA forming up in the carpark adjacent to Old Cromwell, then marching up the street to lead the parade to the memorial gardens.”
To accommodate the public, Melmore Terrace will be closed to vehicles from 6am until 12pm between Achil Street and Butchers Drive. The usual traditional services on ANZAC Day will commence with the 8am service at Cromwell Cemetery where poppies are laid on the graves of the service men and women.
At 9am, services will be held at Bannockburn and Lowburn, and at 10am, there is a service at the Tarras Memorial Hall.
