The Anzac Day service at Brunswick is not just about remembrance but also a chance to for the rural community to get together.
John Goodare, whose family have organised the service for many years, said about half the people came to Brunswick from town.
About 80 people gathered around at Brunswick Hall in front of the war memorial for a small service on Wednesday morning.
Many were formerly from the area and it was a chance to catch up with the locals, Goodare said.
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"I think that's what people enjoy about it. I guess Anzac Day is probably the one time when everyone comes down a gets together so it's quite nice."
There were refreshments in Brunswick Hall afterwards but Goodare said they might be brought outside.
"It's a cracker day so why would you want to hang around inside?"
There was a flyover as people gathered at the Campbell Rd and Brunswick Rd intersection where Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall was the guest speaker.
He talked how his family members were affected by war - a great-grandfather who served in New Zealand's last World War I battle at Le Quesnoy.
And a great aunt who would not say she had outgrown her shoes because she didn't want to deplete the rations.
"Today I want to acknowledge all those who have served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who served the home front," McDouall said.