The New Zealand flag is flying at half-mast on the Elizabeth St flagpole today to mark the centenary of the beginning of World War 1.

Commemorations of the Great War will continue tonight at Edgewater Fan on The Strand where a torchlight silent vigil will be held to mark the 100 years since the war which broke out in 1914.

The NZ flag in the middle of Elizabeth St/Te Awanui Drive roundabout is flying at half-mast today to mark the beginning of WW1.

Tauranga Quakers member Gray Southon says today should be used to remember the enormous cost and supreme sacrifice of so many people.

'A lot of things have happened since then and there's been the Second World War as well. There was a lot of sacrifice and national commitment being put in dedicated to war. Also a lot of effort put in to preventing war.

NZ Ministry of Culture and Heritage reports that 10 per cent of NZ's then one million population served in WW1 of which more than 18,000 died and over 40,000 were injured.

'It [WW1] created a lot of national identity. So many people were killed or wounded so it's important to remember it to learn from it.”

Although he has no personal connection to WW1, Gary says he will today be thinking about the people who were conscientious objectors during war.

'But also I think what is really more important is the understanding of the political, diplomatic, military strategies which goes in to war. I'm thinking of the people who influenced relations between nations and help us deal with our conflicts.”

He says whatever the attitude to participation in war; those who sacrificed should be honoured.

'We must also ensure that we do all we can to avoid such tragedies reoccurring and to address current conflicts around the world by peaceful means.”

The WW100 Committee is putting on a small service at the Centennial Gates at the Tauranga Domain at 11am. A wreath will be laid and a reading of the Ode to the Fallen will take place. See SunLive later today for coverage.

In Wellington this morning there are a number of activities taking place including a gun salute

The original proclamation of war will be read from the steps of Parliament buildings and members of the New Zealand Defence Force, dressed in First World War replica uniforms, will lower the flags on Parliament forecourt, with the support of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band.

The Last Post will be played and the Ode read. At the conclusion of the ceremony, invited guests will place the last ten crosses on the Field of Remembrance Trust's field of 100 white crosses on the Parliamentary lawn.

In Tauranga the silent vigil, organised by Tauranga Quakers and Tauranga Interfaith Council, is at The Edgewater Fan on The Strand from 6pm to 8pm.