Katikati students proud to share whānau war stories at Anzac service

Katikati College head students Coby Taylor and Mitchell Preston arrived at the town's Anzac Day dawn service with broad smiles and a genuine sense of honour. The pair were eager to share their gratitude for the freedoms secured through past conflicts, and to acknowledge those who fought in battles around the world.

Both students shared personal whānau connections to the world wars, though their stories contrasted sharply. One relative returned home to recount his experiences, while the other did not make it back. That difference gave real weight to their presence at the service.

"Every family has their own story to tell, and it is our duty to carry on their legacies and show our gratitude for their service," Taylor said. The pair's willingness to attend and speak reflected a broader spirit of remembrance among the Katikati community.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).