Teen calls on Kiwis to ‘learn from ancestors’

• Published date: 26 April 2024
• Author: Kelly Makiha
• Publication title: New Zealand Herald, The (Auckland, New Zealand)

But today, divisiveness, being correct and proving a point is the new aim of the game

That was the strong message from 17-year-old Rotorua Boys’ High School head boy Jared Lasike at his city’s Anzac Day civic service yesterday.

Lasike was one of several guest speakers at the service, which followed Ōhinemutu’s Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League dawn service and the Anzac Day Parade from Te Arawa War Memorial to the Sir Howard Morrison Centre.

Reverend Tom Poata and Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell led the service, which also included speeches from British Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand John Pearson and from Western Heights High School head girl Merenia Tapsell.

Lasike spoke about his great-grandfathers’ contributions at war and said their comradeship brought the country together like never before. “Everyone was united and supported the boys overseas and the divisions were reserved for the battlefields.”

Lasike said he struggled to think of a time when NZ came together so strongly in recent memory.

“Divisiveness seems to be the new aim of the game. Race, political beliefs and religion are all motivators in separating our people.

“People are more concerned with being correct and proving a point ... This is where we can learn more from our...