ANZAC Day 2026 in New Zealand

ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915 and honors all who served in wars and peacekeeping missions. The day is marked with dawn services, parades, and moments of reflection across the country.

ANZAC Day: A Public Holiday?

ANZAC Day is a public holiday in New Zealand, with businesses, offices, and schools closed. The nation observes the day with solemn ceremonies, dawn services, and community events honoring the sacrifices of those who served.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day, observed on 25 April each year, commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. The campaign aimed to capture the Dardanelles Strait but resulted in heavy losses and a prolonged stalemate. For New Zealand, Gallipoli marked a defining moment, forging a sense of national identity and highlighting the courage and sacrifice of its soldiers.

The first ANZAC Day services were held in 1916, just a year after the Gallipoli campaign. Initially focused on honoring those who served at Gallipoli, the day evolved to commemorate all New Zealanders who have served and died in military conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Over time, ANZAC Day has become a deeply significant national occasion, blending solemn remembrance with a celebration of the enduring values of courage, resilience, and unity.

Observance of ANZAC Day in New Zealand

ANZAC Day is marked by moving ceremonies held throughout the country. The most significant are the dawn services, where thousands gather before sunrise to remember the fallen. These services often include a moment of silence, the Last Post bugle call, and readings that honor the service and sacrifice of New Zealand's military personnel.

Later in the morning, parades take place, featuring veterans, current members of the armed forces, and community groups. People wear red poppies, a symbol of remembrance, and lay wreaths at memorials. Many also take the time to visit war memorials and attend services with family members, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of those who served are passed to younger generations.

ANZAC Day holds great importance as a time of reflection and national unity. It encourages New Zealanders to remember their history, honor those who served, and uphold the values of courage and sacrifice. The day fosters a sense of shared identity and gratitude that continues to resonate strongly across the nation.

ANZAC Day Observances