Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at this morning's Auckland dawn service. Photo / Dean Purcell
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks at this morning's Auckland dawn service. Photo / Dean Purcell
Thousands of New Zealanders have turned out nationwide for Anzac Day dawn services, with the weight of the Christchurch mosque attacks hanging heavily over the commemorations.
There was a noticeably heavier police presence at the services.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the crowd at the Auckland War Memorial Museum thatKiwis needed to recommit to the principles of freedom, democracy and peace that the country had fought for.
She said the sacrifice of past wars reminded us of "our shared humanity - something we have been reminded of again in the wake of the 15th of March."
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is expected to attend the civic service at Auckland's war museum in the Domain at 11am before travelling to Christchurch to meet survivors of the mosque terror attacks.
The crowd gathered for the Anzac Day on the Beach dawn service at Titahi Bay, Porirua. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The sacrifices and valour of our servicemen and women are being honoured at events around the country. New Zealanders take time to honour those who have served our country, at home and offshore, through dawn parades, civic services and the laying of wreaths at memorials.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is expected to attend the 11am service before travelling to Christchurch to meet survivors of the mosque terror attacks.
Road closures and restrictions: 12am-4pm tomorrow on Cenotaph Rd, Football Rd, Lovers Lane, Maunsell Rd Extension, Museum Circuit, The Crescent, Titoki St, Wintergarden Rd.
Parking: Free parking available on the Auckland Domain sports fields (in the event of bad weather, parking on the sports fields will not be permitted.)
Secure Parking will offer parking at The Old Brewery, on the corner of Suiter St and Khyber Pass Rd, for a gold coin donation, with proceeds to the RSA. Attendants are on site to collect donations; use of the pay machines is not required.
Public transport: Extra train and bus services are operating for getting to the Dawn Service. Go to at.govt.nz for more information.
Additional information: Only small handbags will be permitted into the service. Essential larger items, such as nappies or baby food, must be brought in a clear zip-lock bag. If attending services later in the day, bringing water, a hat and sunscreen is recommended.
Wellington National Services
Pukeahu Dawn Service:
Assemble in Tasman St for the parade. The service starts at 6am at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Road closures and parking restrictions: Tasman St, Tory St, Rugby St, Haining St, Martin Square, south side, until 2pm. Lambton Quay northbound, between Bowen St and Bunny St from 5am to 12pm.
What will the weather be like?
Auckland can expect a bit of morning cloud then a fine day. Southwesterlies. A high of 21C and a low of 14C. Wellington is in for a cloudy day with morning drizzle possible. A high of 18C and a low of 13C.
What is open?
Anzac Day is a public holiday and most shops will be closed until 1pm. Exceptions include dairies, petrol stations, some bars, cafes and restaurants and pharmacies.
What is lit up?
The Harbour Bridge has a commemorative light show on today and tomorrow between 6pm and midnight. Go to vector.co.nz/lights to listen to the accompanying audio track. The Auckland War Memorial Museum will also be lit up today and tomorrow.
AUCKLAND
Anzac Day dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Photo / Michael Craig
6am at Cenotaph, Waikumete Cemetery, corner of Great North Rd and Glenview Rd, Glen Eden
Waikumete Civic Service:
11am at Cenotaph, Waikumete Cemetery. Road closures will be in place around Waikumete Cemetery. Temporary bylaw in place. No dogs allowed (except service dogs) at Waikumete Cemetery from 5am-1pm on Anzac Day.
Warkworth Dawn Service:
6am at War Memorial, Church Hill
Warkworth Civic Service:
10.30am at War Memorial
Wellsford Dawn Service:
Assemble at 5.45am at 1 Port Albert Rd. Service at 6am at RSA, 1 Olympus Rd
10.40am at 1 Chapel St. Service persons assemble at the Russell RSA, 1 Chapel St, where they will be joined by the contingent from Paihia before marching to the Russell Village Green, next to the Cenotaph, for the civic service at 11am
Whangaroa Dawn Service:
5-7am at Te Ngaere Marae, 1806 Wainui Road, Kaeo
WAIKATO
Cambridge Dawn Service
Outside Cambridge Town Hall, 6am Civic Commemoration Service inside Town hall, 9am. Parade assembly corner of Empire and Alpha Streets at 8.20am.
Hamilton Dawn Service:
6am with the parade leaving Knox St at 5.45am and finishing around 6.40am
Leaves Knox St at 9.45am with the service at 10am until around 11.15am
Kawhia Service
Parade from Kawhia Town Hall to War Memorial at 1pm, short service. Community singalong at Kawhia Sports Club. Bring a plate. There will be two services on Sunday, April 28.
Mangakino District RSA Service:
11am at the Cenotaph, 34 Wairenga Rd
Ohaupo Memorial service
Ohaupo Memorial Hall, 10.30am.
Paeroa RSA Dawn Service:
Bus leaves 5.45am from Club Rooms. Service at 6am, Cenotaph, Primrose Hill
Ex-Service personnel parade from outside RSA Clubrooms 5.45am. Service to follow at Sunken Cross War Memorial Park, Mutu St, 6am.
Te Awamutu Civic Commemoration Service
Returned, service and members of uniformed groups parade from outside RSA Clubrooms at 10.30am. Service to follow at War Memorial, Anzac Green, 11am.
Thames RSA Dawn Parade and Service:
Assemble at 5.45am at Thames RSA/Workingmens Club, 407 Cochrane St, marching to Thames War Memorial Civic Centre at 200 Mary St for the service starting at 6am
Thames Civic Service:
9.45am from Sealey and Pollen Streets. Service at 10am, Thames War Memorial Civic Centre Cenotaph
Tokanui Commemoration service
Tokanui Hospital Cemetery, 1.30pm on Sunday April 28.
6am at the Colville War Memorial Hall, Colville Rd
Coromandel Service:
10am at Memorial Reserve, 355 Kapanga Rd
Matarangi Service:
Assemble at the corner of Cordyline Crescent and Ake Ake Ave at 10.30am to march off at 10.40am for an 11am service at Matarangi Volunteer Rural Fire Force Station, near Matarangi Shopping Centre
Pāuanui Dawn Service:
6am at Pāuanui Surf Lifesaving Club, Pāuanui Boulevard, (Pāuanui Sports and Recreation Club if wet)
Pāuanui Civic Service:
Assemble at Pāuanui Garden Centre at 10.45am, to march to Pāuanui Sports and Recreation Club, Sheppard Ave for an 11am service.
Assemble at 5.45am at Mt Drury for 6am service at Mt Maunganui Cenotaph
Mt Maunganui Civic Service:
Assemble at 10.45am at Pāpāmoa Memorial Stella Place carpark next to Pāpāmoa Pony Club for service at 11am. If the weather turns out to be wet, gather at Mt Maunganui RSA (544 Maunganui Rd)
Pyes Pa Cemetery Remembrance Service:
12pm at 403 Pyes Pa Rd
Rotorua Dawn Service
5:45am–10:30am at Southern Trust Sportsdrome, Queens Drive, Government Gardens, Rotorua
Gather at 5.45am Ohinemutu, parade march to Muruika Soldiers' Cemetery at 5.50am (by St Faith's Church), 6am: Dawn Service begins
Assemble at 5.50am outside the Great Lake Centre, Story Place and march to Cenotaph
Taupō District Council Civic Service:
10.15am meet on Fairy Rd outside the Lions Train to march to the Cenotaph for 10.30am service.
HAWKE'S BAY
Hastings Anzac Dawn Service at the Hastings Cenotaph. Photo / John Cowpland
Clive/Haumoana Parade:
9.20am fall-in at St Francis, Ferry Rd
Hastings Dawn Parade:
Assemble at 5.15am, Karamu Rd, outside iSite Russell St, to march to Cenotaph for 5.30am service. If wet, service will be at Clubs Hastings. All ex-service personnel are invited to the service at the Hawke's Bay Hospital Soldiers Memorial at 10am
Havelock North Parade:
Assemble at 9am, with wreath bearers at Cenotaph
Kohupātiki Marae Service in memory of 28th Māori Battalion:
Assemble at 9.40am for march from Memorial Gate to Tokomaru School. Service at 10am at Tokomaru RSA and Country Club, corner of Matipo St and Tawa St
Waitarere Beach Civic Service:
8.15-10.15am, Waitarere Beach Domain
Whanganui RSA Dawn Service:
Service at 5.30am at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre. Also, Maxwell Service at 9.30am, Brunswick Service at 10am, Turakina Service at 10am and 28th Māori Battalion Service at 11am at Whanganui War Memorial Centre
Woodville RSA Dawn Service:
6.30am at 58 Ross St. Dawn Parade with NZDF Personnel at Fountaine Square
TARANAKI
Eltham RSA Civic Service:
9am, at the Memorial Gates entrance to Eltham Primary School, followed by a remembrance ceremony at the Soldiers' Cemetery in the Eltham Cemetery, Anderson Rd
Assemble at 6am at the corner of Queen St and King St for parade followed by service at the Cenotaph
New Plymouth Civic Service:
Assemble at 10am at the corner of Queen St and King St for parade followed by service at the Cenotaph
Okato Service:
Assemble at 9.45am opposite Lahar Cafe for parade to 10am service at Okato Hall
Opunake Dawn Service:
Assemble at 6am at the Opunake Town Hall for a 6.15am service at the Cenotaph. 8am public services at the Services Cemetery. 11am service at Te Kiri Cenotaph. 5.30pm service at Pihama Cenotaph
Assemble outside the South RSA under the Arch for a 6.30am service at 130 Princes St, Hawera
Stratford Dawn Service:
6am at the Cross of Sacrifice outside the War Memorial Centre, Miranda St
Stratford Civic Service:
Assemble at 2 Fenton St at 10.15am for parade to War Memorial Centre for 11am civic service. The wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Cross of Sacrifice afterwards
Waitara RSA Dawn Service:
Assemble at the RSA at 5.40am, 16 Queen St
Waitara RSA Civic Service:
Assemble at 9.40am to march to Knox Church for civic service. 10.45am march to Cenotaph for wreath-laying
WELLINGTON REGION
Wellington's Pukeahu War National Memorial Park will host services through the day. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Assemble at 10.30am, Stokes Valley shops, Stokes Valley Rd for 11am ceremony at Stokes Valley Memorial, 21 Hawthorn Crescent, Lower Hutt
Tawa RSA Civic Service:
Assemble at 9.30am at the New World carpark for parade to 10am service at the Tawa RSA Hall, 89 Oxford St
Taita Lawn Cemetery Service:
8am at the Bowling Club, 25 Vogel St Naenae. Public service at 11.15am at the Returned Services section of Taita Lawn Cemetery with poppy laying on plaque sites.
Titahi Bay RSA Dawn Parade:
Assemble outside Titahi Bay Surf Club for 6am service at Bay Drive
Titahi Bay RSA Citizens Parade:
Assemble at 10.15am, 74 Main Rd and march to Whitehouse Rd Cenotaph for 10.30am service
11am: Meet outside Westport RSA, 137 Palmerston St. for parade. March to Memorial Gates for service.
CANTERBURY
Christchurch Dawn and Citizens' Service:
6.15: Dawn Parade and ANZAC Service – Cranmer Square This event is organised by the Canterbury Branch of the Malayan Veterans Association in conjunction with the Christchurch Branch of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA) and Christchurch City Council.
*Please avoid bringing a bag if possible to reduce delays getting into the event area.
10am: Citizens' Service – Transitional Cathedral, Latimer Square Organised by Christchurch City Council in conjunction with Christchurch Cathedral and the RSA. It will be attended by representatives of the Defence Force, Consular Corps and various Christchurch youth groups.
Approaches to Cranmer Square will be closed from 4.30am. You can find detailed information about road closures on the NZTA website.
6:45am: Meet at the Memorial Gates, Marine Parade, Queenstown
Queenstown RSA Civic Service
10am: 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown
SOUTHLAND
Invercargill Dawn Service
7am: War Memorial, Dee Street. Ex-service personnel to parade on Victoria Avenue at 6.50am. Invercargill Working Men's Club will be live streaming Dawn service in the clubrooms (open at 6:45am for those who wish to sit and view).