News Release
30 March 2004
Anzac show goes on – no worries
Waitakere City’s Anzac Day parades will go ahead as planned, despite fears that new regulations might prevent the
annual commemorative marches.
Council staff reassured RSA members at a meeting today that a traffic management plan - imposed by Occupational Safety
and Health Regulations - was not an obstacle to the parades.
The council has offered to help the RSA prepare the plans.
Occupational Health and Safety traffic management requirements have been tightened, following the death of a woman at
the 2001 Christchurch to Akaroa cycling event and the race organiser’s subsequent conviction.
In the aftermath of reports suggesting that the parades were in jeopardy, Waitakere Council spokesperson Dai Bindoff
says there was never any risk that the parades would be cancelled.
Anzac Parade organisers have always needed permits to close the road, but this year the Council sent a letter advising
the RSA advising them to get a professional traffic management plan.
“It was a suggestion to get in touch so we can help them through the process. The new OSH regulations have been forced
on us. We were simply trying to help and protect the parade organisers,” says Mr Bindoff.
Mr Bindoff also points out that Auckland City Council - and others around the country- have required traffic management
plans for a number of years.
“From our point of view it was no big deal. Everyone is now aware of their obligations and the parades and
commemorations can go ahead without any problems.”
Ends