Community members arrived bright and early to the RSA for a wreath workshop on Wednesday in preparation for today’s Anzac services.

The workshop was organised by Glenda Hape and her daughter, Sonny.

Sonny Hape said people were lining up from 9am for a 9.30am start.

Eighteen turned out, with the wreaths quickly put together during the morning.

“It’s nice to get the community involved; there’s a want to learn how to make them.

“Some will take these techniques and make their own ones,” she said.

“A lot here have family who were in the war.”

The 21 wreaths created have been distributed for laying at the dawn and civic services in Whakatāne, Kutarere, Rūātoki, Te Teko and at the Memorial Stones outside the Whakatāne RSA.

Glenda Hape said this was the second RSA workshop for wreath making.

“Last year we used leaves. This year we’re using harakeke because it’s abundant everywhere,” she said.

“You can pre-do them, so they can last for up to a week, and add the fresh flowers later.”

Mrs Hape used to make all the wreaths on her own for these services before starting the workshops.

“We wanted to teach the community to do this on their own, I think it’s getting quite expensive for wreaths.

“It’s a bit daunting at first, but once they learn it, they’re on their way.”