Anzac Day
Anzac Day is our national day of remembrance, observed annually on April 25. The day commemorates those who died serving New Zealand during the war, and honours returned servicemen and women, past and present.
This day marks the anniversary of the landing of the ANZACs (the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915.
As a community, we honour the ANZAC values of courage, compassion, camaraderie and commitment.
2025 services
Waipā residents and visitors are invited to attend the Anzac Day Commemorative Services.
Cambridge
When: Friday, April 25
The dawn service will outside of the Cambridge Town Hall. The service will start at 6am, muster at 5:45am on the eastern side of the Town Hall Piazza.
There is no indoor wet weather option, and the parade will go ahead no matter the weather.
The Civic Commemorative service will take place outside on the Town Hall Piazza, starting at 9am. It will be followed by the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph. Families are invited to lay a wreath after the official ones have been placed.
In the event of bad weather, the Town Hall may be used, but attendance will be limited due to space restrictions.
If you would like to take part in the Civic Commemorative service parade, please meet on Alpha Street, outside the Onyx Restaurant, by 8:30am. Group leaders and markers should report to the parade marshal at 8:20am, also outside the Onyx Restaurant.
Extra mobility parking will be available for those who need it in Kirkwood Street for both services. Please note that there will be limited seating for older veterans at the dawn service.
Te Awamutu
When: Friday, April 25
Dawn parade location: Sunken Cross War memorial, Mutu Street at 6am.
Returned service and members of uniformed groups will parade at the RSA Clubrooms, 381 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu, at at 5:45am. Light refreshment will be available at the RSA Clubrooms after the service. The wet weather venue will be at the RSA Clubrooms.
Te Awamutu Cemetery Flag raising ceremony with veterans and members of the public at 7:45am.
Civic Commemorative Service will be held at the War Memorial, ANZAC Green, starting at 11am. Members of the public are invited to join the returned and service personnel there. Returned service and members of uniformed groups will parade at the RSA Clubrooms, 381 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu, at 10:45 am.
Please note: The RSA requests that medals be worn during the ceremony. Family members wearing medals on behalf of deceased service personnel should place them on the right side of the chest.
Wreaths will be laid at the memorial. Organisations wishing to place official wreaths must report to the Marshall on Teasdale Street upon arrival at the Cenotaph. The RSA Clubrooms will be open to all members, invited guests, and members of affiliated clubs starting at 1pm. The restaurant will be available, and entertainment will be provided.
Kihikihi
When: Friday, April 25 at 8:30am
Service location: War Memorial, Kihikihi
Pirongia
When: Friday, April 25 at 6am
Service location: Pirongia Memorial Hall, Franklin Street, Pirongia
Organised groups that would like to march need to assemble at 5:45am at the Five Stags car park. Light refreshments will be served in the hall after the service.
Ōhaupō
When: Friday, April 25 at 10am
Service location: Ōhaupō Memorial Hall, Great South Road, Ōhaupō
Kāwhia
When: Friday, April 25 at 1pm
Service location: War Memorial, Pouewe Street, Kāwhia
Returned services and members of the public who would like to parade, assemble at 12.45pm at the Kāwhia Town Hall
Pukeatua
When: Sunday, April 27 at 11am
Service location: Pukeatua Memorial Church
Tokanui
When: Sunday, April 27 at 1:30pm
Service location: Tokanui Cemetery
