Poppy sales top $40,000

At least $44,000 is expected to be raised for veteran healthcare from this year's Poppy Day sales in the Bay as RSA clubs today finish preparations ahead of tomorrow's Anzac Day services.

Services will be held across the Bay to honour those killed in war as well as returned servicemen and women.

Mount Maunganui RSA president Paul Frank said Anzac Day was an important day for New Zealanders and he encouraged all people to attend a service.

"I don't know how many people we're expecting but there will be a large number of war veterans. My guess is that there could be up to 130 [veterans] taking part in the march." Mr Franks said this year would be special because it would be the last time there would be a firing party due to the restructure of the Hauraki Battalion.

Mount Maunganui RSA is hosting a day of celebrations after the dawn parade and service.

Tauranga RSA president Bob McLintock was impressed with increasing numbers of young people who showed interest in Anzac Day. More than $25,000 was expected from Tauranga RSA's poppy sales and up to $19,000 was expected from Mount Maunganui RSA's sales.

Anzac services

Mount Maunganui Dawn Parade - Mount Maunganui Cenotaph

5.45am: Assemble at Mt Drury Reserve

5.55am: March off

6am: Service

Memorial Service - Mount Maunganui Cenotaph

9.15am: Assemble at Mt Drury Reserve

9.25am: March off

9.30am: Service

In the event of bad weather the memorial service will be held at the Mount RSA clubrooms.

Tauranga Dawn Parade - Tauranga RSA Cenotaph

5.45am: Assemble on Hayes Ave

5.55am: March off

6am: Service

Memorial Service - Tauranga Memorial Park

8.30am: Assemble at Memorial Park

8.45am: March commences

9am: Service

In the event of bad weather the service will be held in the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre.

Pyes Pa cemetery

10.30am: Remembrance service.