Ngāmotu residents have been captured banding together “in good Anzac spirit” to move a car out of the way before this morning’s dawn service.
Organisers could be heard over the loudspeaker calling for “a few muscle men out there” and encouraging “a few hands” to help lift the car, which was obstructing seats for veterans and dignitaries at the New Plymouth Cenotaph.
Reuben Doyle shared the video of community members lifting the vehicle out of the way to his Facebook group, with the caption “heavy lifting before the dawn service in Ngāmotu this morning”.
He told 1News people thought it was “pretty funny”.
“People seemed to think that it was good Anzac spirit,” he said.
Boyle said some people had taken offence to the incident, saying they thought it was “dangerous” and a risk to the health and safety of those lifting.
One user commented, asking who would be liable if the car was damaged by being “manhandled”.
Others weren’t so worried.
“A little excitement to kick start the day! Certainly provided some entertainment before the Anzac service started!” one wrote.
Another commented: “That’s one famous car and one embarrassed owner to be remembered.”
After multiple rounds of calling out “1… 2… 3…” the car was hefted onto the curb and a cheer erupted from the crowd.
Doyle said the police “were involved” but he didn’t see officers issue any tickets.