A day of remembrance brings us together annually on Anzac Day (25 April), to commemorate those who gave their lives in service of their country and honour returned servicemen and women.
This year, Auckland Council and the Auckland RSA (Returned Services Association) warmly invite all Aucklanders to join the parades and services taking place all over Tāmaki Makaurau.
While initially established to commemorate the Great War (1914 – 1918), and the lives lost by New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Gallipoli, Anzac Day has since evolved into a day of remembrance for all who have served and sacrificed their lives in the conflicts New Zealand has participated in.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown will attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service this year at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain. The mayor highlights these events are to remember those who have lost so much and, as the son of a WWII veteran, he says this day is of particular significance to him.
“It’s my absolute privilege to once again take part in the yearly Dawn Service for Anzac Day. As many already know, my father’s account of war had a profound impact on me and while he was fortunate enough to come home, many others did not return," Mayor Brown says.
“Today, we acknowledge that very fact by coming together throughout the city to commemorate our fallen soldiers and honour our returned servicemen and women, right up to those who are serving today. I hope all Aucklanders will join us where possible, as we pay our respects this Anzac Day”.
Anzac Day parades and services in Auckland are hosted and supported by Auckland Council in collaboration with Auckland RSA and other veteran and community groups. The events are available regionally and welcome all Aucklanders to take a moment of reflection and unify in commemoration.
Local parades and civic services
More than 70 parades and services are set to take place in communities across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The public are invited to attend any of these events, including any of these, including the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain. The Dawn Service kicks off officially at 6am, followed by the Vanguard Military School delivering their Haka in acknowledgement of the fields of remembrance.
More information on the wider programme and events closer to you is available on OurAuckland. Check the website regularly for any changes to events.
Shining bright in commemoration
Key locations around Auckland will light up in poppy-red to support Poppy Day, the Returned Services Association’s (RSA) annual fundraiser on 11 April that aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand veterans of all ages, while other venues will shine bright to commemorate Anzac Day.
Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will light up 10-12 April, 6:30pm to midnight to commemorate Poppy Day. The lighting from 22-25 April will be to commemorate Anzac Day. Visit the Vector Lights website to learn more on details to watch and listen to the show.
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum will be lit 23-25 April (including Anzac Day evening) from dusk until dawn.
Other landmarks around Auckland will light up in support of Anzac Day, including Queen Street Lights.
Warbirds take flight over Tāmaki Makaurau
As part of the ANZAC commemorations, Aucklanders can catch an aerial show; the New Zealand Warbirds Association will take flight over Tāmaki Makaurau to pay their respects from the sky.
Pilots will begin preparations at their Ardmore base from 8:00am, taking to the air at 10:30am and expect to pass over Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum around 11:10am before heading over the city centre. They will then travel over suburbs across the region.
The flight will be weather dependent.
