Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes is calling on communities throughout the district to respectfully mark Anzac Day.

Retailers, commercial operators, businesses, bars and restaurants are all required by law to close from midnight through until 1pm on April 25.

"For that one morning of the year, our business community should be proud to put a sign up to say, 'closed for Anzac Day'. It's a positive affirmation of who we are as New Zealanders and one that visitors will respect," Mr Geddes said.

Anzac Day was rapidly emerging as the one day of the year that all New Zealanders could focus on.

"We should use this morning to spend with family and friends to reflect on the freedom we have. The services that take place throughout our community, in various forms, continue to evoke a deep sense of tragedy and loss and remembrance. Those feelings deepen, not fade, with each passing year," Mr Geddes said.

In particular the day held a huge significance for the generation aged between 18-30 years, many of whom now proudly joined in the Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka parades to represent lost uncles, fathers and grandfathers.

"There is a deep connection between today's young people and the three generations of young people, who did not have the luxury of living without the horror of war," Mr Geddes said.

It was imperative that both residents and visitors took pause to honour the spirit of the day.

"To flout this opportunity to pay respect, in my opinion, risks causing offence to the core of this community," Mr Geddes said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Clive Geddes 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah