Before the sun began to rise, poignant dawn services began at war memorials in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, and Poutūterangi Marae in Te Puna. The stillness of the morning provided a powerful backdrop for reflection and respect.
A large crowd gathered at the Tauranga RSA for its final Anzac Day service at the Cameron Road site, marking the end of an era with heartfelt tributes.
“There was a massive turnout, the biggest crowd in years, and a strong showing of Naval personnel and cadets, which was very special for our final service,” said Tauranga RSA President, Morton Anderson. “It’s been a privilege to host our community here each Anzac Day.”
The large crowd at the Tauranga RSA Dawn Service. Photo credit, Hunter Studio.
Throughout the morning, commemorations continued with civic services in Mount Maunganui and at Memorial Park in Tauranga, there was a remembrance service at Pyes Pā Cemetery, and gatherings at many other locations across the Western Bay of Plenty.
Many cadets, students from local high schools, and families with young children were in attendance and took part in the services, offering a moving reminder that the spirit of Anzac endures across generations.
Tauranga Girls' College students in front of the Tauranga RSA Cenotaph. Photo credit, Hunter Studio.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale addressed the crowd at the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service at Memorial Park – his first Anzac Day in a formal civic role. He acknowledged all those who attended, especially the RSAs for their ongoing commitment to veterans and their whānau.
“Each year on this day, we remember the events of 25 April 1915, when New Zealand troops landed at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula,” said Mayor Drysdale. “That campaign cost the lives of many young soldiers and left a lasting impact on the families and communities they left behind.”
“But from that hardship, the Anzac spirit – of courage, mateship, and endurance – was born. These values continue to shape what it means to be a Kiwi, or an Aussie, and they remain as important today as ever.”
The crowd gathered at the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service at Memorial Park. Photo credit, Hunter Studio.
A particularly special moment during the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service was the recognition of WWII veteran John Clark, who turned 100 on Anzac Day. Mr Clark received a bouquet and a heartfelt tribute from those in attendance.
World War II veteran John Clark speaks with Mayor Mahé Drysdale at the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service. Photo credit, Hunter Studio.
This year’s services served as a meaningful reminder of the significance of Anzac Day and the enduring gratitude felt across our city. Council acknowledges and sincerely thanks the local RSAs, community groups, and council staff whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the successful delivery of these important commemorations.