History of the South Taranaki RSA


ANZACs returning from Gallipoli in 1916 formed the first Returned Services Association (RSA) to provide support and camaraderie to returning soldiers and their families.

South Taranaki RSA was established in 1918 and continues to offer the same support to veterans and ex-service personnel as it did 100 years ago.

The South Taranaki RSA contains a number of rolls of honour, mostly transferred from disused community halls in the area. The framed and decorated Hawera Borough roll of honour in the foyer lists the names of more than 300 local men who served during World War I.

In the main hall the Te Roti and the Tokaora District First and Second World War rolls of honour, and the Ohangai District combined First and Second World War roll of honour are displayed.

During World War I, 100,000 served overseas in the Great War of 1914-18, of which 18,000 died.

ANZAC Day, 25 April, is New Zealand’s day for remembrance –its significance being the landing of New Zealand and Australian troops on the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915. The campaign resulted in the deaths of 2,779 New Zealand troops.

Poppy Day is nationally recognised by RSAs as their main fundraiser to continue their aims of supporting veterans, service members and their families.