The event manager for a north Auckland war memorial says she's received hundreds of "hateful, vile" messages over her decision to cancel the town's Anzac Day service.
Following the Christchurch terror attack, police have recommended increased security for memorial services - and some events have been combined with others to ensure there is enough security available.
On Monday, Adrienne Miller received a call from police recommending she cancel her usual Matakana service, and combine with the Leigh and Warkworth services nearby.
- Anzac Day services could be cut over security fears
- Proposed Muslim prayer on Anzac Day sparks violent threats
- Anzac Day: Beautiful piano rendition of national anthem released
"They rang with a very strong suggestion to cancel, because they couldn't provide security - so I said I would pay for security and they said no," she told Newshub.
She says the decision was not an easy one to make.
"I've been crying all morning. I organise this every year, everything was in place and it's so important to the community,"
"I've been receiving vile messages from all over the world - hateful, vile messages, there's upwards of 300 there now - saying things like, 'As a New Zealander you should ignore police and RSA advice.'"
But Miller says she knows she has made the right decision.
"We're on a main road, and [police] said we could be a target for a vehicular terrorist attack. We have women and children attending and if anything went wrong, I'd be vilified.
"As an individual, I would agree and ignore it. But as an event organiser I have a responsibility to keep people safe. So I'm in between a rock and a hard place," she told Newshub.
She says only one person has messaged her anything supportive.
"It's overwhelmingly emotional for me. I've been organising these since 2012, and it's so important to the community. When we first started, about 50 people attended, and last year we had 500."
She says there are other services people can attend. Civil services will be held in Warkworth at 10:30am and Leigh at 11am.
The War Memorial in Matakana will be open all day for people to place flowers and poppies at.
Police say they have received no threat to any Anzac service, but due to the "current environment" it's important people remain vigilant.
"It's important the public be safe and feel safe when attending Anzac services," said Assistant Commissioner Mike Rusbatch.
"Police districts are working hard to achieve this. Due to the number of planned Anzac Day events we are working with the RSA and councils on the police response which might be required.
"This may involve the consolidation or combining of some services in a particular area where there is opportunity to do so. This will ensure that those services requiring a police presence are prioritised."
Newshub.
