Anzac Day

Soldier and piper at Anzac Day dawn service at Palmerston North cenotaph.

Anzac Day on 25 April is an integral event in our city's annual calendar. The national day of remembrance commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war and honours returned servicemen and women.

Palmerston North services take place at the Cenotaph in Te Marae o Hine – The Square.

Stand at dawn

Alongside the National Office of the RNZRSA we encourage people to stand at dawn if you're unable to make a service. The stand at dawn initiative was introduced in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. #StandAtDawn is a campaign by the RSA and NZ Defence Force, encouraging Kiwis to wear their poppy at 6am and head to their lounge, letterbox, driveway, garden or balcony and stand at dawn.

Anzac Day resources

Delve into NZHistory's Anzac Day resources

Listen to David Hill's The Red Poppy or Feana Tu'akoi's Lest we Forget on RNZ Storytime

Back to top