Hundreds of people were at the Mount Maunganui cenotaph at dawn to honour those who fought in World War I.
Former Royal New Zealand Air Force warfare officer Justin Young said he came to most services with his wife and two young children.
"I think it is important for them to understand the reason behind why we are here today," he said.
Ramona Bekkevold, 20, and Pauline Tombre, 20, were visiting from Norway and had been told to come to an Anzac service to share in New Zealand's history.
"It is very special to follow the traditions of New Zealand," Bekkevold said.
Both the New Zealand and Australian anthems are played.
Mount Maunganui RSA president Bill Newell led the dawn service and said he would later lead the "historic" civic service at the new Pāpāmoa memorial.
"We will remember them," he said, followed by the crowd murmuring the same words.
"Lest we forget."
One minute of silence fell over the crowd.
The sounds of the waves on Mount Main Beach rolled in the background.
Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless said he attended the Mount service both as mayor and to honour his father who fought in World War II.
"It brings that home for me," he said.
Meanwhile, at Tauranga's dawn service at the Greerton RSA, in crisp morning air a band played Lest We Forget as those in the march stood staunch in front of the cenotaph.
Tauranga RSA vice-president Paul Anderson invited Reverend John Hebenton to speak.
Hebenton remembered the people of all ethnicities and religions dying in the war. He remembered those soldiers who passed after the war and those families who lost loved members.
He prayed that those New Zealand soldiers serving overseas return safely and that peace comes soon to end the conflict in the regions they are stationed.
Tauranga RSA president Fred Milligan read the Anzac Dedication.
Wreaths were laid and The Ode spoken at the Tauranga dawn service.
One minute of silence filled the chilly air after the Last Post was played.
The crowd then stood to sing O God Our Help in Ages Past.
Hebenton spoke in English and te reo Māori, praying for peace and harmony.
The Australian national anthem was played by the Tauranga City Silver Brass Band, followed by God Defend New Zealand, with the crowd quietly singing along.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Katikati Memorial Hall this morning to remember the fallen.
Veterans, soldiers and those in the armed services stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the community including guide dogs and pets.
Katikati RSA president Glen Burt addressed the silenced crowd and acknowledged the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and those who continue to serve.
Lieutenant Gerard McGrath said as a nation we still grieved the loss suffered in Christchurch but such hate can't exist in New Zealand.
Meanwhile Katikati Sea Scout cub leader Deb Wilson said it was a highlight of the year for the scouts to be part of the service.
They had stayed together the night before watching movies before getting up at the crack of dawn.
At Whangamata's dawn service a gathering of about 2000 people witnessed the arrival of the NZ flag over the surf from Whangamata Surf Club boats.
The flag was delivered to people dressed in costume to represent nurses, housewives, farmers, army, navy and fire service.