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<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
By the campaign\u2019s end in January 1916, some 2779 had been killed \u2013 close to a sixth of those who had landed there.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
This year also marked 110 years since the New Zealand Division arrived on the Western Front during World War I, Davies said.<\/p>\n
He was at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington, where the national Anzac Day service was held at 11am.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe remember those who, in moments of great uncertainty and danger, placed the needs of others above their own \u2013 not for recognition or reward, but because it was right to serve.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crowds gathered for the Anzac Day dawn service at Waikumete this morning. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
It was about honouring those who didn\u2019t return and acknowledging the families who \u201ccarry their absence still\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cTheir sacrifice is woven into our national story and into our shared identity.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year was also the 75th anniversary of Kap\u2019yong, where the Commonwealth Brigade fought a defensive battle against a Chinese division at Kap\u2019yong in South Korea in April 1951, Davies said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFilling a gap in the United Nations line, the Royal New Zealand Artillery\u2019s 16 Field Regiment played a vital supporting role.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bagpipers pictured at the Rotorua Anzac Day dawn service this morning. Photo \/ Megan Wilson<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir service continues quietly, often unseen, yet always grounded in the same values of duty, courage, and commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Auckland\/T\u0101maki Makaurau<\/p>\n
Dawn services took place around Auckland, with the largest at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.<\/p>\n
An Anzac Day dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum today. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
A list of local remembrance ceremonies is available here<\/a>. Dawn services have been completed, but later commemorations are planned in some towns and cities.<\/p>\n Whang\u0101rei<\/p>\n In Whang\u0101rei services still to take place include at Onerahi Community Hall and Maungakaramea Sports Club from 11am.<\/p>\n Waikato<\/p>\n At 11.40am a civic parade starts at the Memorial Hall in Whangamat\u0101. A wreath laying and the opening of the remembrance wall will follow.<\/p>\n Tauranga\/Mount Maunganui<\/p>\n In Tauranga, a dawn parade and combined civic service with Mount Maunganui has already taken place.<\/p>\n Gisborne\/Tair\u0101whiti<\/p>\n A dawn service took place at 6am.<\/p>\n Napier\/Hastings – Ahuriri\/Heretaunga<\/p>\n The Napier Sound Shell is hosting a civic service at Memorial Square at 11am.<\/p>\n In Hastings, the dawn parade is being followed by civic services continuing throughout the day<\/a>.<\/p>\n Manawat\u016b & Whanganui<\/p>\n The Marton RSA and Citizens Memorial Hall is hosting a service at the Marton Park World War I Cenotaph at 2pm.<\/p>\n New Plymouth\/Ng\u0101motu<\/p>\n A civic service took place at 10am at the Cenotaph in New Plymouth.<\/p>\n Wellington\/P\u014dneke<\/p>\n The Anzac Day National Commemoration Service is taking place at Wellington\u2019s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at 11am.<\/p>\n Other civic services around the city can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nelson\/Whakat\u016b<\/p>\n A civic Anzac service will be held at Nelson Cathedral at 11am.<\/p>\n Canterbury\/Waitaha<\/p>\n A dawn parade and service have already taken place in Cathedral Square.<\/p>\n