Hundreds gathered in the pre-dawn darkness at Tauranga’s Memorial Park this Anzac Day, marking the first dawn service held at the new location.
Several other dawn services were held across the wider Western Bay of Plenty, including at Mount Maunganui, where the annual Classic Flyers flyover took place, and in Papamoa.
At the Tauranga service, attendees stood in silence under clear but chilly skies before sunrise as speeches focused on remembrance, sacrifice, and the legacy of Anzac.
Student leaders from Tauranga Girls’ College were among those who addressed the crowd.
“It is about recognising the cost of war, honouring those who served, and ensuring their stories are not forgotten,” said head prefect Aiza Mustasam.
Mustasam’s speech centred on what she described as the moment that became a “defining part” of New Zealand’s history.
“Today represents the values that emerged from our soldiers: courage in the face of fear, mateship in times of hardship and sacrifice.”
She said her involvement in Anzac Day was about taking the time to pause and reflect.
“What those soldiers faced was unimaginable, they landed on unfamiliar shores in harsh conditions under constant threat, yet they continued to show bravery, determination, and an unwavering sense of duty.”
Tauranga Girls College deputy head prefect of learning Brooke Barnett also addressed the crowd.
Image 1 of 33: 110 Crosses on Mount Maunganui Beach for the 110 local men who lost their lives in the First World War. Photo / Simon Dawson Photography
“We have a responsibility to recognise the absence of those lost, to listen to the stories of those with experience, and to share our respect through honour and remembrance.”
Barnett told the Bay of Plenty Times it was “really inspiring” to speak at the first dawn service at Memorial Park.
“I think it’s amazing that we’ve been able to make use of this beautiful space and I was really honoured to be part of the first service here, it was really beautiful.”
Community leaders and officials also reflected on the significance of the day, describing Anzac Day as having an “enduring legacy”.
Tauranga RSA president Morton Anderson got up at 3am to get ready for the service, and proudly wore his father-in-law’s medals.
“He is a World War II veteran, served in the British Navy, and he passed away at 97 just a few years ago.”
Morton told the Bay of Plenty Times he was “absolutely ecstatic” to see the turnout at this year’s dawn service.
“Anzac Day is very significant because the world is a moving place, we still have serving personnel and we need to carry this forward.
“It’s just something that we have to do, it’s in our DNA.”
Tauranga National MP Sam Uffindell said it was “incredibly special” to remember and honour all of those who had served.
“People came out in very cold weather to honour and remember those who gave their lives and risked their lives so that we could all live in freedom and prosperity here in New Zealand.”
He said Anzac Day had an “enduring legacy”.
“New Zealanders will always remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live in peace here today.”
Tauranga-based Labour MP Jan Tinetti said it was hard to put into words what it meant to stand in remembrance.
“It means absolutely everything to remember what our country’s been built on and the people and the sacrifices that people have made.”
Tinetti said she usually attended the Greerton service but it was “amazing” to see a large turnout for Memorial Park’s first dawn service.
“We’ve always been every year, and to see so many people and so many young people turn out is really heartening.”
Thousands filled Memorial Park for this year’s Tauranga civic service, marking the first combined service with the Tauranga RSA and Mount Maunganui RSA.
Bagpipes signalled the start of proceedings shortly before 9.30am.
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale addressed the crowd filled with RSA members, veterans, cadets, nurses, St John personnel, school students, young children and families.
“Today, we pay tribute to the courage and the sacrifice of the servicemen and women who gave so much to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today.”
In his speech, Drysdale said Anzac Day was a reminder of the values that emerged from the experiences, courage, mateship, and endurance of those who served.
“I proudly wear my grandfather, Sir Bob Owens’ miniature medals to remember and to share his stories with my family and to understand where we as a family came from.”
The service ended with the Australia and New Zealand national anthems followed by the march past.
The Bay of Plenty Times spoke to attendees after the service.
Veteran Gordon Benfell served for 54 years after joining in 1964.
“Anzac Day is significant because it’s a chance to celebrate who we were, what we’ve done, and meet up with the friends who were involved with us in doing all of those things.”
He said the most important part was remembering all those who he served with and couldn’t be there today because they had passed on.
“I think it’s necessary for veterans, they have a responsibility to the public to be on parade, and it helps to remind the public that this is their day as much as it is anybody else’s.”
Shona Sharp is a diversional therapist at Summerset Retirement Village in Pāpāmoa and laid a wreath on behalf of her residents.
“It’s absolutely heartwarming to see so many people doing it. My grandparents were both in the war, so it means a lot.”
Sharp said Anzac Day played a “huge role” in shaping New Zealand’s identity.
“Without Anzac, those soldiers would be forgotten. We don’t want them to be forgotten.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.