He said the tank had links with the Waikato as territorial units were the last to use them before they were sold.
"That vehicle was used by the local territory units and that vehicle sat for a long time immobile on the side of SH1 near Horotiu."
The restoration was privately funded and involved a lot of work from trust members.
As well as the tank, the trust also maintains a number of armoured vehicles and Jeeps stored in a specialist hangar.
Only 217 M4 Walker Bulldog tanks were made and the Huntly one was 213.
World War II Jeeps and a light tank weighing 8T have previously been part of the Anzac service, but this is the first time a tank has led it.
McAlley said while there were other M4 tanks in New Zealand - including one on display in Waiouru - this was the only one currently running and featuring in a parade tomorrow.
The tank is being driven by a former soldier and an Afghan veteran is the top crew man. The tank will be parked beside the cenotaph with its gun dipped as a show of respect during the service before returning to the Huntly RSA.