Anzac Tribute

For the last two years, ANZAC Day commemorations have been sadly limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. This year I hope to get to an ANZAC Day dawn service with my husband, Shawn, who spent 21 years serving in the US Air Force before retiring, and our 9 year old son, Ace to lay a wreath in honour of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers who served in the ANZAC forces.

My great-grandfather Alfred Norman Harris served in NZFA as a driver through WW1. He lost his brother, Private James Harris in that same war.

In WWII, my grandfather James Harris served in aircraft maintenance while stationed in the Solomon Islands.

Alfred Norman Harris

James Harris

While designing the wreath I wished to make for this year’s ceremony, it struck me that traditional wreath making seems to be a dying art.

Unfortunately, not many towns in New Zealand seem to have florists who can make traditional ANZAC wreaths anymore.

I decided I needed to make a mini module on making ANZAC tribute wreaths - we will remember them!

I have also designed a poppy made of harakeke for including in the decorative spray at the base of my wreath.

This week I am kicking off an ANZAC wreath ‘make-along, with my students to take them with me on a sentimental journey and rediscover traditional floristry techniques with a harakeke twist.

I am also working with our local Scouts Cubs and Keas to teach the next generation how to make their own ANZAC wreaths to present at this year’s dawn service.

It is such a privilege for me to work with my students and community to honour our servicemen who fought to provide us the freedoms we enjoy here in wonderful Aotearoa.

Perhaps you and your whanau might like to make your own ANZAC wreath and attend a dawn service this year!

I would love to share my knowledge with you about ANZAC wreath creation, in the detailed lessons I have available online.

The cost of the Anzac   Wreath  course is $150 - here’s a link to the module.