With thousands expected to turn up for today's joint civic service, transforming a sports field into a site suitable for a major commemorative event has involved a lot of work.
Forty people spent yesterday preparing the stage, setting up the two large screens, laying out seating, erecting the field of remembrance for the Anzac civic service and putting up a large marquee for the Great Anzac Day Brunch.
It is the first time the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui RSAs have joined together for a joint civic service at the Tauranga Domain, chosen as a central location with historical significance - the area served as a military camp for some of the country's major conflicts.
Workers were back at the Domain at 5.30am today to finish the set up.
A Tauranga City Council spokesperson said the event had been given massive support in kind from many community groups and organisations around the region.
"There were lots of people involved in making the day happen. What the public see is about 5 per cent of the work.
"The behind the scenes stuff is humongous compared to on the day."
The spokesperson said organisers were anticipating the event would leave a mark on the landscape of Tauranga events.
"Especially this 100 year commemoration, it's something that is special to us as New Zealanders.
"It's been overwhelming. We've felt a great sense of support from everyone wanting to get involved. There's been a lot of people stepping up. I think that's because New Zealanders, even if they don't align themselves to a particular military story, they still recognise what the soldiers did for us.
"I think people just get that."
This morning, thousands of people were expected to make the most of the fine weather to pay their respects at the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui RSA dawn services, held at the Tauranga RSA and the Anzac War Memorial Cenotaph on Marine Parade.
From 1pm, the From Tauranga to the Trenches exhibition will open to the public for the first time since its launch on Thursday night.
The exhibition honours Tauranga's soldiers, their families and the community. The exhibition is free and will run for one month.