ANZAC Day (25 April) is observed in New Zealand as a day of commemoration for those who died in the service of their country and to honour returned servicemen and women.

25 April is the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915. On the first anniversary of that landing services were held throughout the country in remembrance of the 2,721 New Zealand soldiers who died during the eight-month Gallipoli Campaign. Since 1916 ANZAC Day has evolved to the observance we know today.

Commemorative services begin before dawn with a march by returned and service personnel to the local war memorial, where they are joined by other members of the community for the Dawn Service.

Gallipoli Campaign

The assault on the Gallipoli Peninsula began on 25 April 1915, as an attempt by Allied Command to weaken the strategic position of Germany, Austro-Hungary and Turkey, was the New Zealand Expeditionary Force's first major engagement of the First World War.

History of ANZAC Day

Since the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1916, ANZAC Day has evolved to acknowledge the sacrifice and service of subsequent wars and to encompass new understandings of the full impact of armed conflict on those who have served their country.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them

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