Most of this years of ANZAC Day events in New Zealand have been cancelled in the wake of last month’s Christchurch terrorist attack.
In the country’s capital of Auckland only 26 events will take place to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of World War’s One and Two on April 25th compared to 84 last year.
The Returned and Services Association which represents veterans in New Zealand has blamed the cancelation of events on police fears of terrorism.
The RSA claims that many of the events were cancelled on the advice of the police who feared being overstretched to counter a potential terror threat.
In a statement the RSA said
“In the current heightened security environment, police have agreed to maintain a visible presence at events for public reassurance,” the statement read.
“As a result, police had recommended that Anzac Day events in Auckland be consolidated so that they could adequately resource each public gathering.”
However, Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Rusbatch has said that the police had “no information” to indicate a direct threat to any Anzac service.
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