Anzac Day commemorations will be held across Tauranga this Saturday, April 25, marking one of New Zealand’s most significant days of national remembrance.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said Anzac Day is a deeply meaningful time for communities to come together and reflect.

“As we gather across Tauranga, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served to protect the freedoms we enjoy today, and we acknowledge those who continue to serve.

“It is always incredibly moving to see current service personnel, veterans and their families standing alongside the wider community in remembrance.”

Each year, a collective effort from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui RSAs, Tauranga City Council, defence personnel, community groups and volunteers ensures the day is commemorated with care and respect across the city.

This year, several changes have been made to Tauranga’s city commemorations.

Tauranga Dawn Service

The Tauranga RSA Dawn Service, which has previously been held in Greerton, will take place this year at Memorial Park, beginning at 6am.

Tauranga RSA president Morton Anderson said relocating the service to Memorial Park provides a more central venue for the community.

“Holding the Dawn Service at Memorial Park brings it to a central location, allowing more of the community to attend and be part of this important moment of remembrance.”

Combined Tauranga Civic Memorial Service

Memorial Park will also host the city’s official Civic Memorial Service, as in previous years, with a slightly later start time of 9.30am instead of 9am.

The change is intended to allow those attending dawn services to also take part in the civic commemoration, the council said.

This year’s Civic Memorial Service is particularly significant, bringing together both Tauranga RSA and Mount Maunganui RSA in a shared service.

A combined Civic Service will be held at Memorial Park at 9.30am. Photo / Tauranga City Council

The combined commemoration reflects a unified approach across the city and offers an opportunity for local veterans to stand together in remembrance.

Anderson said the collaboration highlights the collective commitment behind the service.

“We’re proud to work alongside Tauranga City Council and Mount Maunganui RSA to deliver the city‑led civic service this year.

“It’s a real team effort to create a meaningful occasion for the whole community.”

As a result, there will be no separate 9.30am Mount Maunganui Civic Service in 2026, with Mount members encouraged to attend the combined service at Memorial Park.

Mount Maunganui RSA general manager Jonathan Clarke said combining services is a practical and thoughtful approach.

“With the growing costs and effort involved in delivering these services, it makes sense for us to come together this year,” he said.

“By combining with Tauranga RSA for the Civic Memorial Service, we can ensure a meaningful and well‑supported commemoration for our veterans and wider community. We warmly welcome Mount residents to join us at Memorial Park to stand together in remembrance.”

Tauranga Moana Tūmatauenga Commemoration

The Tauranga Moana Tūmatauenga commemoration has been relocated this year due to recent damage at Ōpōpoti (Maungatapu) Marae. The service will now be held at Hangarau Marae in Bethlehem.

The full list of Tauranga City services and locations for 2026:

5.45am – Tauranga Moana Tumatauenga Commemoration, Hangarau Marae, 219 Bethlehem Rd, Bethlehem.

6am – Pāpāmoa Memorial Dawn Service, Pāpāmoa Memorial, Stella Place beach car park, Pāpāmoa Beach Rd.

6am – Mount Maunganui Dawn Service, Mount Maunganui Cenotaph, opposite Hopukiore, Mt Drury.

6am – Tauranga Dawn Service, Memorial Field, Memorial Park, Eleventh Ave.

9.30am – Tauranga Civic Memorial Service, Memorial Field, Memorial Park, Eleventh Ave.

11am – Pyes Pā Remembrance Service, Pyes Pā Memorial

Park and ride services

To help make getting to and from services easier, free and accessible park and ride buses will be available for the Tauranga Dawn Service, Tauranga Civic Memorial Service, and Mount Maunganui Dawn Service.

View park and ride information here.

Road closures:

To support safe delivery of Anzac Day services, temporary road closures will be in place.

Tauranga Dawn Service and Tauranga Civic Memorial Service

The following roads will be closed on Saturday from 2am – 12pm:

11th Ave – from Devonport Rd to Fraser St

Fraser St – from 11th Ave to 13th Ave View road closure map.

Mount Maunganui Dawn Service

The following roads will be closed on Saturday from 2am – 10am:

Marine Parade – from Commons Ave to Banks Ave

Pacific Ave – from Rita St to Marine Parade View road closure map.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time on the morning of Anzac Day.

Full service details are available at: www.tauranga.govt.nz/anzacday.