Twelve veterans were presented with handcrafted Anzac quilts at the Whakatāne RSA yesterday to recognise their service to Aotearoa.

The recipients gifted quilts were Wayne Hunt, Mac Karauria McCorkindale, Lorna Taylor, Dianne Cecelia Timu-Carter, Brian Bell, Betty Reynolds, Julie Maria Drabble, Commander Greg Camburn, Mac Kingi, Bruce Rogers, Brian Rex Cribb, and Gabriel Tuhoro, all serving or former members of the New Zealand Defence Force.

The placing of each quilt around the shoulders of its recipient served as a powerful reminder their service had not been forgotten.

Some of the recipients’ service dates to the 1940s, highlighting the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice across generations.

Each person was acknowledged not only for their military contributions but their continued dedication to veterans’ organisations and local dawn services.

Each quilt is unique, carefully crafted by a dedicated group of volunteer quilters who have incorporated symbols of New Zealand identity such as the silver fern, poppies, and military emblems to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of each recipient.

The quilt initiative was inspired by similar programmes overseas and brought to New Zealand by Sheral Farrow where it has become a meaningful way for communities to say thank you.

Photo Aston Palmer E5952-02