Aucklanders urged to gather this Anzac Day

Aucklanders are being urged to gather in remembrance this Anzac Day (25 April), with more than 70 parades and civic services planned across Tāmaki Makaurau.

The city’s leading Dawn Service will begin at 6am at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Domain.

Mayor Wayne Brown says he will attend as the day holds deep personal significance.

“It’s my absolute privilege to once again take part in the yearly Dawn Service for Anzac Day,” Brown says.

“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.

"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.”

In South Auckland, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says three significant services, each led by the local community, mark the day.

He says it's important to acknowledge those who have served our country, especially those who have died in war.

"It's an important reminder for us in 2025 that there are international powers out there that are still acting and could possibly cause wars. This is a dangerous time - now, at the drop of a hat, we could be facing another world war.”

Flowers left in remembrance to honour the fallen on Anzac Day. Photo/Auckland Council

“So it's a reminder that we should always strive for peace. But then, when we are faced with wars, often it's our young people that are sacrificed to defend our countries. And so just acknowledging the families as well - of those that have passed away in our armed services,” Apulu says.

While originally established to honour New Zealand and Australian soldiers who fought and died at Gallipoli in 1915, Anzac Day has become a broader day of remembrance for all who have served - from the First and Second World Wars to more recent deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific.

Anzac Day parades and services will be held in Ōtara-Papatoetoe, starting with a dawn service at Manukau Memorial Gardens (5.45am), followed by a civic service in East Tāmaki (7am) and another at Papatoetoe RSA (10am), each with a parade and road closures in place.

A soldier stands in silence, his silhouette a tribute to the fallen. Photo/Auckland Council

Apulu says many New Zealand Defence Forces members are Māori and Pacific people.

"Our people have died and sacrificed and given up their youth for this country.”

Auckland Council and the RSA support commemorations across the region in partnership with veteran groups and local communities.

Details and road closure information about local organisers are available on the Auckland Council website.

Lighting the city in remembrance

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, Auckland landmarks will light up red in remembrance.

Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will display a red light show from 10–12 April for Poppy Day and again from 22–25 April for Anzac Day. The Auckland War Memorial Museum will also glow red from 23–25 April, including the evening of Anzac Day.

For a full list of Anzac Day events, check the council website.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.