Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says Anzac Day is one of New Zealand’s most important national days of remembrance and a meaningful time to come together.
“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 the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui RSAs, Tauranga City Council, defence personnel, community groups and volunteers ensures Anzac Day is commemorated with care and respect across the city.
This year, there are several changes to Tauranga city commemorations to be aware of:
Tauranga Dawn Service
The Tauranga RSA Dawn Service, previously held in Greerton, will now take place at Memorial Park at 6am.
Tauranga RSA President, Morton Anderson, says, "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 host the city’s official Civic Memorial Service as usual, with a slightly later start time of 9.30am (previously 9am). This change allows those attending dawn services time to also take part.
This year’s Civic Service is particularly significant, bringing together both Tauranga RSA and Mount Maunganui RSA in a shared commemoration. It reflects a unified approach to remembrance across Tauranga and provides an opportunity for local veterans to stand together.
Tauranga RSA President Morton Anderson says, “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.”
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 says, “With the growing costs and effort involved in delivering these services, it makes sense for us to come together this year. 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 Tumatauenga Commemoration
Due to recent damage to Ōpōpoti (Maungatapu) Marae, this service has been relocated to 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 Road, Bethlehem.
- 6am – Pāpāmoa Memorial Dawn Service, Pāpāmoa Memorial, Stella Place beach car park, Pāpāmoa Beach Road.
- 6am – Mount Maunganui Dawn Service, Mount Maunganui Cenotaph, opposite Hopukiore, Mount Drury.
- 6am – Tauranga Dawn Service, Memorial Field, Memorial Park, Eleventh Avenue.
- 9.30am – Tauranga Civic Memorial Service, Memorial Field, Memorial Park, Eleventh Avenue.
- 11am – Pyes Pā Remembrance Service, Pyes Pā Memorial Park, 403 Pyes Pā Road.
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, Tauranga Civic Memorial, and Mount Maunganui Dawn services.
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, 25 April 2026 from 2am – 12pm:
- Eleventh Avenue – from Devonport Road to Fraser Street
- Fraser Street – from Eleventh Avenue to Thirteenth Avenue
View road closure map.
Mount Maunganui Dawn Service
The following roads will be closed on Saturday, 25 April 2026 from 2am – 10am:
- Marine Parade – from Commons Avenue to Banks Avenue
- Pacific Avenue – from Rita Street 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.