RSA president Dennis Mardle said he felt mixed emotions over the sale of the building. “On a personal level, there is disappointment that, despite my efforts, I was unable to save the investment of thousands of former service men and women,’’ he said. “That is disappointing, but that is tempered with, not excitement, but a keen interest in how we remodel the business model for the RSA in the future. We have got to get back to our core purpose of serving former service men and women and their families.”
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The building was designed by architects Warren & Mahoney.
Dalziel said New Zealand was lucky to be able to commemorate Anzac Day together this year as public events were still not possible in many other countries. Anzac Day was not only about honouring the service and sacrifice of those who died in warfare, but also about committing to the peaceful resolution of conflict, she said.
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Jess Mauel kisses her daughter, Madison Zuppicich, 6, at the plinth where wreaths and poppies are laid during the Anzac Day dawn service in Christchurch s Cranmer Square on Sunday. “It is not reflecting on the glory of war, it is reflecting on the commitment and the service and the sacrifice. But it is also committing to never letting that happen again.”