Preparing South Auckland Sites for Anzac Day

By Victoria Sutherland, Area Manager for Auckland Council Rima Contract – Citycare Property

Anzac Day has always held a special place in my heart. My father served in the army, and I grew up with a deep respect for the sacrifices made by those who came before us and their families. For me and the team at Citycare Property, especially my team looking after South Auckland, preparing Anzac sites is a way of honouring service, memory, and community.

The bedding displays and cenotaphs that people see on Anzac Day are the result of months of planning and hard work by our open space maintenance (OSM) team. Orders for annual bedding plants are placed six months in advance. We select species that will thrive through the season, ensuring strong reds and whites, the symbolic Anzac colours, are in full bloom by late April. Plants need to be established by early March to give us six weeks of growth before Anzac Day, while also lasting through to Armistice Day in November. Cyclamen and other hardy annuals are chosen for Anzac, while poppies, often requested, are reserved for Armistice. In the southern hemisphere, poppies do not bloom in April, but by November they create a striking tribute.

The work continues well beyond planting. Our team will be deadheading flowers (removing dead or faded flowers), fertilises beds, mows lawns, edges pathways, and clears hard surfaces. The Manurewa Cenotaph, for example, requires careful cleaning of its paved areas rather than turf care. In the days leading up to Anzac, we often make daily visits, arriving early in the morning to give sites a final touch-up before dawn services.

Almost the entire Open Space Maintenance team is involved. From Gurzant placing plant orders to crews managing turf and gardens, everyone contributes. It is a collective effort that reflects the pride we take in presenting these sites at their best.

For me, this work carries a personal connection. Every flower bed prepared and every path cleared is a way of honouring my father’s service and the legacy of all who served. Many of our team feel the same, whether through family ties or a shared commitment to community pride.

On Anzac Day, when people gather at these sites to remember, they see places of honour, memory, and respect. Behind that presentation lies months of dedication and care. That is the role we proudly play in keeping the spirit of Anzac alive.