Christchurch's younger generation is showing its appreciation for those who have served their country, with one seven-year-old baking Anzac cookies for local veterans.
Madison Webb shares one of her biscuits with Bill Mitchell, 106. Photo: RNZ / Brooke Jenner
Madison Webb, a student at St Francis of Assisi School, has been to the Christchurch dawn service every year of her life.
This year, she baked Anzac cookies to give to the veterans at the Returned and Services Association headquarters after the dawn service.
She gave one cookie to a 106-year-old veteran, Sergeant Bill Mitchell, who fought in the Pacific during his time in the defence force.
Bill Mitchell arrives at the dawn service in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Brooke Jenner
Mr Mitchell, who watched the Christchurch dawn service from an old airforce Jeep, said it "reminded him of the old days". He was driven into Cranmer Square in the Land Rover that was parked in front of the several thousand people gathered for the service.
His family said he has carried out this role since he turned 100 six years ago.
Madison said her grandfather was in the United States army and her great-grandfather was in the New Zealand army.
She said young people should attend services "so we can remember the people who died in war".