ANZAC commemorations in Rotorua
News
ANZAC Day marks New Zealand’s first major engagement of World War One at Gallipoli, Turkey. While it was a terrible defeat, it has gone on to become a legend of sacrifice.
Locals and visitors are invited to attend several free ANZAC commemorations in Rotorua to reflect and remember all the men and women who have served their country.
ANZAC Day (Thursday 25 April 2024) begins with Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League Dawn Service at Ōhinemutu from 5.45am. The service will be conducted by Reverend Tom Poata and includes a short parade past the Muruika Soldiers’ Cemetery (near St Faith’s Church). The Dawn Service is expected to conclude at approximately 6.30am.
Following the Dawn Service, an ANZAC Day Parade will depart from Te Arawa War Memorial (next to Rotorua Museum in Government Gardens) at 9am, making its way to the Sir Howard Morrison Centre where the Rotorua Civic Memorial Service will begin at 9.30am (approximate length 1 hour).
The officiating Minister will be Reverend Tom Poata, with Her Worship the Mayor Tania Tapsell introducing this year’s guest speakers: British Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand, John Pearson, and our two youth speaker representatives; Jared Lasike, Head Boy of Rotorua Boys High School, and Merenia Tapsell, Head Girl of Western Heights High School.
Grant Botting will play the Last Post on his bugle before the Ode to the Fallen is read by WO1 Brent Pene (New Zealand Defence Force) and Jason Ramsay (President of Rotorua Returned Services Association.)
Laying of the wreaths will take place during the service, and pipers from the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band will play. Other performances from the Rotorua Brass Band and Te Kura o Te Koutu will take place through the service.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says “ANZAC Day remains an important occasion for our community to collectively remember the sacrifices of our local soldiers who gave their lives and to pay tribute to the bravery of our returned services.
“It's always heart-warming to see our local residents come out in force for these services. It recognises how the sacrifice of the ANZACs and the significance of this day is still so meaningful. We look forward to coming together as a community at both of our services to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”
Ka maumahara tonu tātau ki a rātau. We will remember them.
ANZAC Day Timings (Thursday 25 April 2024)
5.45am Dawn Service at Ohinemutu (concludes approximately 6.30am)
8.50am Meet at Te Arawa War Memorial
9am ANZAC Parade leaves Te Arawa War Memorial
9.25am Parade arrives at Sir Howard Morrison Centre
9.30am ANZAC Civic Memorial Service begins at Sir Howard Morrison Centre (expected duration: 1 hour)
ANZAC Day(Thursday 25 April 2024) Road closures (8.30am – 10am):
Queens Drive from Prince’s Gate Arch to Te Arawa War Memorial (roundabout next to the Rotorua Museum). Arawa Street from Prince’s Gate Arch to the intersection of Fenton Street, (not including the roundabout). People are encouraged to avoid the Prince’s Gate entrance to Government Gardens due to the road closure.