Kaipātiki Hot Springs has continued its long-standing support of the Parakai Dawn Service this ANZAC Day, standing alongside the South Kaipara community to mark the occasion and pay respects. 

Held on Kaipātiki Reserve beside the cenotaph and the pools, the Dawn Service is a significant annual event, bringing together veterans, service personnel, whānau (extended community), local iwi (Māori tribes), emergency services, volunteers and residents. This year, Kaipātiki Hot Springs management laid a wreath on behalf of the venue, continuing a tradition that spans more than 30 years.

Kaipātiki Hot Springs General Manager Dion Tilson said the service remains an important part of the venue’s connection to the community. 

“Kaipātiki Hot Springs, formerly Parakai Springs, has a long history with this service. We work closely with Kaipara RSA, local iwi, and the Helensville Volunteer Fire Brigade to support it each year. It’s a real community effort that we’re proud to be a part of,” Dion said. 

“ANZAC Day is a time for reflection and remembering those who have served across Aotearoa (New Zealand). It’s important we continue to support spaces where people can come together to acknowledge that in a way that feels respectful and meaningful.”

The ongoing collaboration behind the Dawn Service reflects the strength of local partnerships and the role Kaipātiki continues to play in supporting community-led events. 

“We also want to acknowledge the leadership and support of Te Poari o Kaipātiki, Kaipara RSA, Helensville Volunteer Fire Brigade and the wider Parakai and Helensville community in delivering this important event,” Dion concluded. 

Lest we forget.

Pictured: Mihi Blair, Chairperson of Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara; Mark Dennis, Operations Coordinator, Kaipātiki Hot Springs; Tracey-Lee, Co-governance Operations Manager; Zubran Nabi, General Manager, Belgravia Leisure New Zealand; and Dion Tilson, General Manager, Kaipātiki Hot Springs.

You can visit the Kaipātiki Hot Springs website here.