Whakatāne and Kawerau RSA communities marked Armistice Day on Wednesday with commemorations honouring those who served and died in World War I

Despite the rain, the events went ahead, with both towns moving their outdoor services inside.

Armistice Day is commemorated every year on November 11 to mark the armistice that ended the fighting on the Western Front of World War 1.

Whakatāne RSA president Victor Hape said there was a good turnout at the local commemoration, with veterans, family members and members of the wider community attending.

Retired Colonel John Broadley was the guest speaker at the Whakatāne service.

The service was originally planned for outside near the field of remembrance, which honours the 69 fallen servicemen from the township and wider community.

About 60 people attended the Kawerau commemoration, hosted by life member of the women's section of the RSA Sheryl Bell and her husband, Brian Bell, supported by RSA vice-president Tim Reynolds.

A separate service was also held at Mary Shapley Retirement Home, with about 20 to 30 residents attending.

Hape said Armistice Day was an important opportunity to remember those who fought during World War I.

“Our men and women went away to be part of the alliance during World War I. They fought for the lives we have today. Some came home and some didn’t.”

He also acknowledged the work of communities across the wider district who helped organise their own commemorations.