Aucklanders will gather at dawn and throughout the day on Saturday, 25 April 2026, to pay their respects to the nation's service personnel at Anzac Day commemorations across the region. Services from the central city to the outer suburbs and Hauraki Gulf islands will mark the national day of remembrance.
The principal public service will be the Anzac Day Dawn Service held at the Court of Honour in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Domain. This poignant ceremony is a central part of the city's commemorations, drawing thousands of attendees each year who come to honour the sacrifices of servicemen and servicewomen, past and present.
Following the dawn service, a host of local parades and services will take place in communities across Auckland, offering residents a chance to commemorate closer to home. These events, organised by local RSAs and community groups, are a vital part of Anzac Day, fostering a sense of community and ensuring the spirit of remembrance is accessible to all.
A day of national remembrance
Anzac Day is a cornerstone of national identity for both New Zealand and Australia, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during the First World War. The date, 25 April, commemorates the fateful landing of troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915.
The Gallipoli campaign was intended to be a decisive strike to seize the Turkish straits and open a supply route to Russia. However, the plan faltered, leading to an eight-month stalemate. The Allied forces suffered heavy casualties before their eventual evacuation, with an estimated 2,700 New Zealanders and 8,700 Australians among the dead. The first anniversary was officially named Anzac Day in 1916 and has been a day of solemn remembrance ever since.
Over the years, the meaning of Anzac Day has broadened. While it began as a day to honour the Gallipoli veterans, it now serves as a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of all New Zealanders who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The 'Anzac spirit', defined by the ideals of courage, endurance, and mateship, remains a cherished part of the national character. For more information on the history of Anzac Day, the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage provides extensive resources at nzhistory.govt.nz.
Dawn service at Auckland Domain
The Auckland Domain dawn service will begin at 6:00 am. The parade will assemble in the Auckland Museum's underground carpark from 5:00 am, commencing its march to the Court of Honour at 5:45 am. The service is a deeply moving experience, with the Last Post echoing across the Domain as the sun rises over the city.
To facilitate the event, several road closures will be in effect around the Domain from 4:00 am to 8:00 am, including Museum Circuit Road, Cenotaph Road, and Maunsell Road. Additional closures on surrounding streets like The Crescent and Winter Garden Road will begin at 5:30 am. Attendees are advised to arrive early, with public access to field parking available via Little George Street and Football Road until 5:30 am.
This year, organisers have arranged for more large screens to be placed around the venue, providing greater viewing areas for the expected large crowds. Coffee vans will be on-site, and Anzac biscuits will be available for a gold coin donation to the RSA, linking the commemoration with direct support for veterans.
Community commemorations in Central Auckland
For those living in and around Arch Hill, a number of local services provide an opportunity to pay respects within the community. The Grey Lynn Returned Services Club will hold its parade starting at 9:30 am from the corner of Richmond and Castle Streets, followed by a 9:45 am service at its clubrooms on Francis Street. A brief rolling road closure will affect Richmond Road during the march, and all are invited for morning tea afterwards.
In Mt Albert, the parade will assemble at 9:00 am and commence at 9:20 am, travelling to the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall for a 9:30 am service. Similarly, the Mt Eden service will take place at 11:00 am at its memorial hall on Dominion Road, with a parade beginning at 10:55 am from the corner of Dominion Road and Dexter Avenue. Light refreshments will be served at both venues, fostering the community spirit that is a hallmark of the day.
A sunset service offers a different moment for reflection at Coyle Park in Point Chevalier. The Albert-Eden Local Board invites the community to gather at 5:20 pm for a 5:30 pm service, where a lone bugler will play The Last Post as the sun goes down. Earlier in the day, the Point Chevalier RSA will hold its parade at 10:30 am, followed by an 11:00 am service at the Point Chevalier Bowling Club.
These local services are often followed by gatherings at RSAs, which serve as important community hubs. These clubs, like other local institutions, provide a space for residents to connect and share stories, strengthening community bonds long after the official ceremonies have concluded.
Services across the wider region
Commemorations are not limited to the central city. Services will be held across North, West, South and East Auckland, ensuring all Aucklanders have a chance to participate. On the Hauraki Gulf islands, a service will be held at Tryphena Hall on Great Barrier Island at midday, while Waiheke Island will host both a 6:00 am dawn service and an 11:10 am civic service at the Waiheke RSA in Ostend.
Auckland Council advises that the published list includes only the services it has been notified of. Residents are encouraged to check with their local RSA or on community social media pages for information on other commemorations that may be happening in their area.
All official Anzac Day services are free to attend and open to everyone. The events provide a moment for collective reflection, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds in honouring those who have served New Zealand.
