Photo credit: Brenna Roband
In-person Anzac Day commemorations, including three dawn services, will be held across Tauranga this year, giving residents a chance to come together to remember those who fought for our freedom at Gallipoli 107 years ago, and in other fields of conflict around the world.
The Anzac Day events include both dawn and civic services, but they will look different this year as the Omicron outbreak affects how the New Zealand Defence Force will participate.
Tauranga City Council Commission Chair, Anne Tolley, says she is pleased that the community has the chance to come together to commemorate Anzac Day, with a range of events now possible under the Government’s revised pandemic restrictions.
“Anzac Day holds a very special place in the hearts of New Zealanders. It provides a chance to remember their family members who have fought for our freedom, both in the past and in more recent times,” she says.
Dawn services, particularly the one at Mount Maunganui, have traditionally been the most well-attended services in Tauranga and 2022 is expected to be similar.
“Dawn services provide a very special way to commemorate Anzac Day as they’re held at the same time as the original landing in Gallipoli on 25 April 1916,” Mount Maunganui RSA President Arthur King says.
“There’s something particularly poignant about the Mount Maunganui service because we come together in a beach setting to acknowledge the sacrifice thousands of New Zealanders and Australians made on the shores of Gallipoli,” he says.
This year, locals will have the choice of three dawn services – Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the RSA’s Poppy Appeal, which was first held on Anzac Day in 1922.
Tauranga RSA President Fred Milligan says Poppy Day, Friday 22 April, is the RSA’s largest annual fundraising event.
"Poppy Day was cancelled in 2020 which was a blow. This year’s extended campaign will give the public a chance to help us support and advocate for all those New Zealanders impacted by military service,” he says.
Vaccine passes will not be required to attend the services, as per Government requirements.
However, if you are feeling unwell, please stay at home. While not mandatory, face masks are encouraged.
A free park and ride service will be available for the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service and the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service.
Details for each event and information on park and ride options are available on our website.