Anzac Day services 2026: Kiwis gather around the world to remember and reflect

Almost a sixth of the Kiwi soldiers involved in the Gallipoli campaign paid with their lives. Soldiers are pictured on the beach at Gallipoli in 1915. Photo / Auckland Council Libraries

More than 8000 Kiwis arrived on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915, as the Allies unsuccessfully attempted to capture the Strait of Gallipoli from the Ottomans.

By the campaign’s end in January 1916, some 2779 had been killed – close to a sixth of those who had landed there.

Today marks the 111th anniversary of the land invasion, the first significant military campaign involving Australian and New Zealand armed services, and ongoing services are taking place around the country today (listed below).

This year also marked 110 years since the New Zealand Division arrived on the Western Front during World War I, Davies said.

He was at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington, where the national Anzac Day service was held at 11am.

“We remember those who, in moments of great uncertainty and danger, placed the needs of others above their own – not for recognition or reward, but because it was right to serve.

“That spirit was present on the shores of Gallipoli, carried through the hardships of two world wars, and sustained across decades of peacekeeping, conflict and humanitarian service.”

Crowds gathered for the Anzac Day dawn service at Waikumete this morning. Photo / Dean Purcell

It was about honouring those who didn’t return and acknowledging the families who “carry their absence still”.

“Their sacrifice is woven into our national story and into our shared identity.”

This year was also the 75th anniversary of Kap’yong, where the Commonwealth Brigade fought a defensive battle against a Chinese division at Kap’yong in South Korea in April 1951, Davies said.

“Filling a gap in the United Nations line, the Royal New Zealand Artillery’s 16 Field Regiment played a vital supporting role.”

Bagpipers pictured at the Rotorua Anzac Day dawn service this morning. Photo / Megan Wilson

It also marked the 25th anniversary of the arrival of New Zealand combat troops in Afghanistan, and 2026 was the first time contemporary veterans were officially recognised as part of Anzac Day.

“Their service continues quietly, often unseen, yet always grounded in the same values of duty, courage, and commitment.”

Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau

Dawn services took place around Auckland, with the largest at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

An Anzac Day dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum today. Photo / Dean Purcell

A list of local remembrance ceremonies is available here. Dawn services have been completed, but later commemorations are planned in some towns and cities.

Whangārei

In Whangārei services still to take place include at Onerahi Community Hall and Maungakaramea Sports Club from 11am.

Waikato

At 11.40am a civic parade starts at the Memorial Hall in Whangamatā. A wreath laying and the opening of the remembrance wall will follow.

Tauranga/Mount Maunganui

In Tauranga, a dawn parade and combined civic service with Mount Maunganui has already taken place.

Gisborne/Tairāwhiti

A dawn service took place at 6am.

Napier/Hastings – Ahuriri/Heretaunga

The Napier Sound Shell is hosting a civic service at Memorial Square at 11am.

In Hastings, the dawn parade is being followed by civic services continuing throughout the day.

Manawatū & Whanganui

The Marton RSA and Citizens Memorial Hall is hosting a service at the Marton Park World War I Cenotaph at 2pm.

New Plymouth/Ngāmotu

A civic service took place at 10am at the Cenotaph in New Plymouth.

Wellington/Pōneke

The Anzac Day National Commemoration Service is taking place at Wellington’s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at 11am.

Other civic services around the city can be found here.

Nelson/Whakatū

A civic Anzac service will be held at Nelson Cathedral at 11am.

Canterbury/Waitaha

A dawn parade and service have already taken place in Cathedral Square.

Other commemorations will be happening across Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula and can be found here.

Timaru

Several services have already taken place in Timaru, but commemorations continue at the Timaru Town and Country Club, with a performance from the Drama Queens from 1pm to 4pm.

Otago/Ōtākou

Dawn services have already taken place in Dunedin and Queenstown.

Southland/Murihiku

The Invercargill dawn service has ended, but a civic service is taking place at 44 Gore St, Bluff, from 10.30am, followed by a Memorial March at 11am.