15 Apr 2014

WWI events announced for south

3:07 pm on 15 April 2014

Otago and Southland mayors and armed forces have launched a five-year programme of regional events to commemorate World War I.

The plans were announced on Tuesday at the Montecillo Veterans Rest Home in South Dunedin.

Across the two provinces, dozens of events are being organised including dramatic recreations, museum exhibitions and memorial restorations with at least one major event each year.

In September 1914, the first troops secretly left Dunedin by train, and the first major commemorative event will be recreated Troop Embarkment weekend.

Dunedin mayor Dave Cull says it is vital the events recognise all the communities and all the people who paid the price in the world's greatest calamity to that time.