Wahine 50 - Dawn Service - change due to weather

Andrea Blackshaw from Hutt City Council

Due to the weather forecast, we have made the decision to move the dawn service to Muritai School Hall. This means that, because of the capacity of the hall, spaces will be limited. Our priority is to accommodate the survivors, rescuers and families who have registered first and then, other members of the community.

Of the 51 people who died on the day of the Wahine disaster, 49 lost their lives on the Pencarrow Coast near Eastbourne. The Hutt City Council will host a memorial service at the Wahine Mast Memorial on the coast at Eastbourne in memory of those who died. The local Eastbourne community responded to the emergency in large measure, and many people will have strong memories of the appalling conditions that day. The survivors of the Wahine wish to pay tribute to the wonderful response they received from the people of Eastbourne and the emergency services.

This public event is one in a series being held in and around Wellington on 10 April 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Wahine Day – a very significant day in New Zealand’s history. More details on www.wahine50.org.nz....