Information about official ANZAC Day services and commemorations in east Auckland on the public holiday of remembrance on April 25.

The Auckland Council describes ANZAC Day as a time of remembrance that brings New Zealanders and Australians together to commemorate those who gave their lives in service of their country and honour returned servicemen and women – Veterans.

The council and the regional Auckland RSA (Returned Services Association) “warmly invite all Aucklanders to join the parades and services taking place all over Tāmaki Makaurau”.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is set to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service this year at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain.

The mayor highlights these events are to remember those who have lost so much and, as the son of a World War II veteran, he says April has particular significance for him.

“It’s my absolute privilege to once again take part in the yearly Dawn Service for Anzac Day,” Brown says.

“As many already know, my father’s account of war had a profound impact on me and while he was fortunate enough to come home, many others did not return.

“We acknowledge that very fact by coming together throughout the city to commemorate our fallen soldiers and honour our returned servicemen and women, right up to those who are serving today.

“I hope all Aucklanders will join us where possible, as we pay our respects this Anzac Day.”

More than 70 parades and services are set to take place in communities across Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain starts officially at 6am, followed by the Vanguard Military School delivering its haka in acknowledgement of the fields of remembrance.

Howick Dawn Parade and Service:

March parade assembles at 5.30am at Mellons Bay Road. Service at Stockade Hill, Howick. Parade, 5.45am. Service, 6am.

Howick Civic Parade and Service:

March parade assembles at 10.30am at Mellons Bay Road. Service at Stockade Hill, Howick. Parade, 10.45am. Service, 11am.

Whitford Anzac Day Breakfast:

Service at Whitford Memorial Pavilion, Whitford Domain.

Contact: Phil Granger, phone 0274 791 646 or email sherbrookfarm@gmail.com. Service, 6.30am.

Beachlands Anzac Day Dawn Service:

March parade assembles at 5.45am outside the Chartered Club, Wakelin Road.

Service at the end of Wakelin Rd, near the memorial and flags. Contact: Fred Wilkings, phone 021 442 430 or email fredwilkings@gmail.com. Parade, 5.55am. Service, 6am.

Beachlands-Maraetai Civic Anzac Day Service:

March parade assembles at 8.30am in the Chartered Club car park, Wakelin Road.

Service at Beachlands School Hall via the Wakelin Rd gate. Contact: Stuart Rowe, phone 021 926 921, or email stuartrowe83@gmail.com. Parade, 8.50am. Service, 9am.

Ōtara East Tāmaki Civic Parade and Service:

March parade assembles at 7am at Church of the Nazarene, East Tamaki Road.

Service at the Cenotaph, East Tamaki Rd. Contact: Sipa Niutama, phone 021 0834 5257, or email sipaniutama@cbnz.org. Parade, 7.30am. Service, 7.45am.

The Returned and Services Association (RSA) of New Zealand provides a brief history about ANZAC Day:

The Anzac legend began on April 25, 1915, when around 20,000 soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed under fire on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.

For eight long months, New Zealand troops, alongside those from Australia and other allied nations, battled harsh conditions and Ottoman forces desperately fighting to protect their homeland.

By the time the campaign ended, more than 130,000 soldiers had died: at least 87,000 Ottoman and 44,000 Allied soldiers.

Among the dead were 2779 New Zealanders.

Gallipoli was New Zealand’s first major battle of World War One and the country was deeply affected by the massive loss of life and the return home of the injured.

New Zealanders have marked the landings at Gallipoli since news of the event first reached our shores.

Over time there have been changes in the way that Anzac Day is commemorated, reflecting the changing features and concerns of New Zealand society.

Today, Anzac Day promotes a sense of unity and is a time for the nation to pay respects and acknowledge the many thousands of our military personnel who are serving or have served, and who are called upon to support New Zealand in times of war, conflict, and disaster.

As time has passed the meaning of the word ‘Anzac’ has changed too.

Once used solely to refer to those who fought as part of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, today the term represents the characteristics that are seen as important to New Zealanders and those serving in the New Zealand Defence Forces, including courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity.