Anzac Day, observed on 25 April each year, is our national day of remembrance to commemorate New Zealanders who have served in wars overseas, past and present.
25 April marks the anniversary of the landing of the ANZACs (the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915. Despite the defeat at Gallipoli, the shared experience helped foster a sense of nationhood in both New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand first observed Anzac Day in 1916. Since then, Anzac Day has evolved, with Kiwis of all ages attending services and events across New Zealand and the world, including at Gallipoli.
We honour the ANZAC values of courage, compassion, camaraderie and commitment.
Hamilton usually celebrates Anzac Day with a dawn service and a civic service, both held at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park, on Memorial Drive.
View recent and past Anzac Day events photos
Please note, 2020 Anzac Day services were not held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
2025 Anzac Day Services
Hamilton’s 2025 Anzac Day memorial services take place at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park, on Memorial Drive. Both services go ahead regardless of weather conditions.
There will be big screens in the park that will show both the dawn and civic services, meaning people can see and hear both services from further back in Memorial Park.
Dawn Service 6am
The dawn service begins at 6am, with the parade leaving the corner of Victoria Street and Anzac Parade at 5.50am. The service finishes at around 6.40am. Parade details below.
After the service, the Waikato Rivertones Chorus and Salvation Army Band will perform at the Cenotaph.
Civic Service 10am
The civic service begins at 10am, with the civic parade leaving the corner of Anzac Parade and Memorial Drive at 9.50am. The service finishes at around 11.15am. Parade details below. Following the civic service, you are welcome to stay and listen to the Hamilton Brass Band and the Waikato Rivertones Chorus perform at the Cenotaph.
More than 5000 poppies will be installed on the corner of Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade again this year, and the Fields of Remembrance Trust will place 350 white crosses in Memorial Park to acknowledge the Hamiltonians lost in conflict. Both the crosses and the poppies will be installed on Thursday 24 April and will be removed on Saturday 26 April.
Watch the 2025 Anzac Day Dawn Service
Watch the 2025 Anzac Day Civic Service
Reflections on Anzac Day
Services and road closures
Road closure
The following road closures will be in place on Friday 25 April for the Anzac Day services (please note, this day is a public holiday):
- Memorial Drive, from Te Aroha Street to Anzac Parade, 12am to 1pm
- Victoria Street, from Knox Street to Anzac Parade, 3am to 10am
- Anzac Parade, from Victoria Street to Grey Street, 3am to 1pm
Boat ramp closure
The boat ramp at Commerce Park, Grantham St will be closed from 5.30am until 11.30am, or until the end of the commemoration service. We appreciate your cooperation.
Mobility parking
A limited number of disabled car parks will be available close to Memorial Park – please email events@hcc.govt.nz if you require disabled parking.
Volunteers wanted
We’re looking for volunteers to help on the day, as well as the day before to help set up and plant poppies in the ground. If you or your school or community group can help, please get in touch with events@hcc.govt.nz
Taking part in the Anzac parades
Dawn parade and service
All service people or their representatives who wish to take part in the dawn parade should assemble at the corner of Victoria Street and Anzac Parade no later than 5.30am for a 5.50am start. The parade marshal will direct the order of the march. The parade will march to the Cenotaph where the service will begin at 6am. At the conclusion of the service, at around 6.40am, the parade marches back to and ends at Victoria Street.
The Waikato Rivertones Chorus and Salvation Army Band will perform at the Cenotaph.
Limited seating for participants who require it will be available at the dawn parade service.
Dress: Civilian clothes and medals. Family members who have inherited medals can wear these medals on the right side of the chest.
Civic parade and service
Those who wish to take part in the civic parade should assemble at the corner of Anzac Parade and Memorial Drive no later than 9.30am for a 9.50am start. The parade marshal will direct the order of the march. The parade will march to the Cenotaph where the civic service will begin at 10am (the civic parade does not have a return march).
Following the civic service, you are welcome to stay and listen to the Hamilton Brass Band and the Waikato Rivertones Chorus perform at the Cenotaph.
Dress: Civilian clothes and medals. Family members who have inherited medals can wear these medals on the right side of the chest.
Wreath laying
Following each service, schools, groups and individuals are welcome to lay their own wreath or flowers at the Cenotaph, but this will not be part of the official services.
Help make our Anzac Day services the best they can be
• clear the way for wheelchairs and those with mobility issues
• remain on the footpath as parade passes and don’t cross through the parade as it processes
• give vehicles carrying disabled or service people plenty of room to get through and safely unload their passengers
• offer your seat to older persons, people with mobility issues, or women who are pregnant
• if you are worried about losing your view, there will be two large screens (located on the map) for you to watch and listen to the services from other areas of the park.
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Last updated 5 April 2024