Tauranga will commemorate Anzac Day on Friday, April 25, with ceremonies across the city to honour the service and sacrifice of New Zealand’s military personnel.

Councils, community groups and local Returned Services Associations have collaborated to organise dawn and civic services, providing the community with opportunities to reflect and pay tribute.

Tauranga Mayor, Olympian-turned-politician Mahé Drysdale, will deliver the welcome at the Civic Memorial Service.

“On Anzac Day, communities around New Zealand come together to honour those who served, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and acknowledge the contributions of our returned and current service personnel,” Drysdale said.

“I encourage everyone to attend a service and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.”

The Tauranga RSA will host its final dawn service at the Cameron Rd site before relocating later this year.

The organisation has played a key role in supporting veterans and their families since 1918 and began hosting dawn services at its current location in 2009.

This year’s event will feature a special address and participation from HMNZS Te Mana and the New Zealand Defence Force’s Hauraki unit.

Navy veteran and Tauranga RSA president Morton Anderson said the dawn service will be a significant moment of remembrance.

“It’s important to keep the memory alive, to pay respects to those who served and those who never made it home,” Anderson said. “These events are not just about remembering history, they’re about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made.”

Royal Navy World War II veteran John Clark will mark his 100th birthday on Anzac Day and plans to attend the Civic Service. Clark’s family will also host a private service in his honour, where he will receive a special gift.

“Anzac Day is very poignant for John, as he reflects on the war and the terrible loss of life,” Clark’s family said.

“He remembers some names of past friends on Anzac Day with great sadness.”

In recent years, improved sound systems, cadet involvement and student participation have helped grow Tauranga’s Anzac Day commemorations.

The Tauranga RSA remains committed to veteran support and community projects as it prepares for a new chapter alongside the Mount Maunganui RSA.