Wellington will mark Anzac Day with a full programme of commemorations across the capital on Saturday, April 25, including a Dawn Service, national ceremony and evening Last Post.
Events will centre on Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and the Cenotaph precinct, with Wellington City Council and the Wellington RSA inviting residents to take part in services throughout the day to honour those who have served.
Mayor Andrew Little said Anzac Day remained a significant moment for reflection on the impact of war and its lasting effects on individuals and communities.
“Whatever we think about war, the reality is that the experiences and devastation of World War I and subsequent conflicts have left an indelible imprint on our shared histories,” Little said.
“It is important we remember all those affected by war.”
He said the range of events across the city meant people could participate in ways that suited them, from attending formal services to simple acts such as wearing a poppy.
Little said Anzac weekend was also a time to connect with friends and whānau and reflect on shared freedoms.
The day’s main events begin with a 6am Dawn Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, followed by the Wellington Citizens’ Wreath Laying Service at 9am at the Cenotaph precinct on the corner of Lambton Quay and Bowen Street.
The Anzac Day National Commemoration Service will take place at 11am at Pukeahu, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Memorial in Tarakena Bay, Miramar, at 2.30pm. The day will conclude with the Last Post at 5pm, also at Pukeahu.
In the lead-up to Anzac Day, a commemorative projection will be displayed on the Wellington Cenotaph, while parts of the waterfront and cable car tunnels will be lit to mark the occasion.
Council services will continue largely as normal over the public holiday period. Rubbish and recycling collections will proceed as scheduled on both Anzac Day and the observed public holiday on Monday, April 27. On-street metered parking will be free on both days.
Some council facilities may operate reduced hours or close, and road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around Pukeahu and the Cenotaph precinct on Saturday morning to allow events to take place.
