This year marked the first Tauranga Dawn Service at Memorial Park for the Tauranga RSA. Vice President Duncan Poole officiated the service, while President Morton Anderson welcomed attendees, describing the large crowd as a “fantastic sight” and acknowledging the importance of coming together to remember.
Head prefects from Tauranga Girls’ College and Tauranga Boys’ College shared reflections on the meaning of Anzac Day. Tauranga Girls’ College Head Prefect Aiza Mustasam said, “Today represents the values that emerged from our soldiers – courage in the face of fear, mate ship in times of hardship, and sacrifice. Our involvement in Anzac is about taking the time to pause and truly reflect. It is about recognising the cost of war, honouring those who served, and ensuring their stories are not forgotten.”
Tauranga Boys’ College Head Prefect Oliver Larsen shared a personal family connection, reflecting on the loss of his great grandfather who “lost his life fighting for peace and freedom.” He spoke about the lasting impact of that loss across generations, noting that his mother never met her grandfather, and his granddad grew up without a dad. “Everyone here shares stories like these,” he said. “We’ve heard them, experienced them first hand, or even continue to experience them.”
The Mount Maunganui Dawn Service, led by the Mount Maunganui RSA, saw a large crowd gather along the beachfront. Photo credit Simon Dawson Photography.
Along the coastline, a similarly strong turnout gathered for the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service, led by the Mount Maunganui RSA.
One local attendee, who has attended the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service for the past five years, said this year felt like one of the largest turnouts. “The MC (Mike Savage) was amazing, and the bagpipes were incredible.”
A powerful visual of the service was a sand art installation on the beach by local artist Kenrick Smith, depicting 110 crosses in tribute to the 110 local men who lost their lives during the First World War.
The service included an address from Mount Maunganui College Head Students Ava Jurisich and Fletcher Cameron, as well as guest speaker Major Warren Banks. Wreaths were laid by representatives from the Mount Maunganui RSA and Women’s Section, the New Zealand Defence Force, and Tauranga City Council.
The crowd surrounds the Pāpāmoa War Memorial at Stella Place, above Pāpāmoa Beach. Photo credit, Cameron Scott.
In Pāpāmoa, a large crowd gathered at the Stella Place cenotaph for the service. Pāpāmoa Ward Councillor Steve Morris, who attended, spoke of his pride, “When Mick O’Carroll and I built the Pāpāmoa Memorial in 2018, we wanted the community to have its own place to gather as one and remember our heroes. Seeing what a special place it has become and seeing so many residents come together at the dawn service this year was humbling."
The service opened with a veterans’ parade, followed by a mihi whakatau and karakia that set the tone for the morning. Pāpāmoa College Head Boy Josh Thorpe delivered a reading, alongside addresses from representatives of both Australia and New Zealand service personnel, reflecting the shared significance of the day.
Wreaths were then laid in tribute, before the Act of Remembrance was observed. The Last Post rang out across the gathering. The Ode was then delivered, followed by a minute’s silence.
Hangarau Marae in Bethlehem held a moving dawn service on Anzac Day. Photo credit, Cr Kevin Schuler.
At Hangarau Marae in Bethlehem, the Tauranga Moana Tūmatauenga Dawn Service offered a deeply personal and cultural reflection, drawing a large and welcoming crowd.
One local who attended the service shared, “I had the honour of attending the service, where wreaths were laid at the cenotaph alongside a deeply personal tribute. Whānau were invited to place photographs of loved ones who had served, which was incredibly moving and not something often seen at other dawn services. The manaakitanga was outstanding, and the invitation to share in a hot cooked breakfast afterwards was warmly appreciated.”
The Tauranga Civic Memorial Service at Memorial Park. Photo credit, Hunter Studio.
Later in the morning, the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service brought the community together again at Memorial Park.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale spoke for the official welcome and acknowledged the crowd. “It’s wonderful to see such a strong turnout here this morning, your presence speaks to the enduring relevance of Anzac Day.” He also shared a personal connection, noting he was wearing his grandfather Sir Bob Owens’ medals as a special tribute.
Head Boy Carl Huppmann and Head Girl Sienna Skilton of ACG Tauranga delivered a reading, with Sienna reflecting on the enduring legacy of those who served. “As we stand together in remembrance, we acknowledge the courage, the sacrifice and the resilience of all those who came before us. We recognise that their legacy lives on – not just in history, but in all of us.”
The service was marked by a strong sense of ceremony, with official wreath laying bringing together representatives from across the community, defence personnel and local organisations.
Music played an important role throughout the morning, with contributions from the Tauranga Civic Choir and Tauranga Brass Band, and the City of Tauranga Pipe Band leading the parade for the first time.
Wreaths laid at the Pyes Pā service. Photo credit, Elliott Funeral Services.
The Pyes Pā Remembrance Service at Pyes Pā Memorial Park continues to grow each year, bringing together the local community in increasing numbers.
Lee White of the Bay of Plenty NZ Navy League Association reflected on the service, saying, “The service at Pyes Pā had an excellent turnout. Again, the Head Boy and Head Girl from ACG as guest speakers did the youth of today proud. One thing I did notice this year was the increase of families attending. From young toddlers to grandparents all coming together as one to remember.”
Watch the highlights from the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service