Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a National Day of Commemoration observed on 25 April each year. It commemorates those who died serving New Zealand during war while honouring returned and current servicemen and women, past and present.

In 1936 Whanganui was the first city in New Zealand to hold a dawn service.

The council and our local RSA have come together to bring you a parade and service on the forecourt of the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, Pukenamu Queen’s Park, and other commemorative services at Pākaraka, Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens) and Brunswick.

Service information

Whanganui War Memorial Centre Service

All ex-service personnel, RSA members, kindred associations and members of the public are invited to assemble outside Davis Library, Pukenamu Queen’s Park, at 6.15 sharp.  At 6.30am the parade will march to the Whanganui War Memorial Centre forecourt for the Service of Commemoration. 

Refreshments

At the conclusion of the service a warm invitation is extended to all those participating to tea and coffee on the War Memorial Centre forecourt or to partake of the traditional coffee or rum and coffee at Club Metro, Ridgway Street.

Laying of Wreaths

All organisations and schools, who have traditionally laid wreaths, are invited to march in the parade. Any organisation or person wishing to lay a wreath please contact the RSA at welfare@wanganuirsa.co.nz

If you have registered with the RSA to lay a wreath, you can drop it off at the Memorial Hall by 5pm on Thursday 24 April.

Other services

Pākaraka service – 9.30am service at Waitotara County War Memorial

28th Māori Battalion Anzac service – 11.00am service at Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens)

Brunswick service – 10.00am service at Brunswick War Memorial opposite Brunswick Hall