Road closures will take place in Rotorua on Friday as locals and visitors gather to reflect and remember the lives of those who served their country at Anzax commemorations across the city

Anzac commemorations taking place in Rotorua on Friday, April 25:

Anzac Dawn Service

The Rotorua Dawn Service will be conducted by Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League Inc and take place at Ōhinemutu.

5.45am: Gather at Ōhinemutu

5.50pm: Parade march to Muruika Soldiers’ Cemetery (by St Faith’s Church)

6.00am: Dawn Service begins with a mihi (welcome) from Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League

Prayers: Reverend Tom Poata

ANZAC dedication followed by hymn and guest speaker.

The Dawn Service is expected to conclude at approximately 6.30am.

Anzac Civic Memorial Service

Anzac Day marks New Zealand’s first major engagement of World War One at Gallipoli, Turkey.  While it was a terrible defeat, it has gone on to become a legend of sacrifice.

Rotorua Lakes Council will host an Anzac Day Parade and Civic Memorial Service for all to attend.

Locals and visitors can come to reflect and remember all the men and women who have served their country, showing courage and loyalty.

8.50am: Meet at Te Arawa War Memorial (next to Rotorua Museum in Government Gardens) 9.00am: Anzac Parade leaves Te Arawa War Memorial and heads along Queen’s Drive

9.25am: Parade arrives at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre

9.30am: Anzac Civic Memorial Service begins

"The officiating minister will be Reverend Tom Poata, with Her Worship the Mayor Tania Tapsell introducing this year’s guest speakers," said commemoration organisers.

Guest speakers will be Angela Swann-Cronin (Formerly Royal New Zealand Air Force), and Rotorua's two youth speaker representatives Patience Lister (Rotorua Girls High School) and Harrison Roberts-Brake (John Paul College).

"Mr G Botting will play the Last Post on his bugle before the Ode to the Fallen is read by WO11 Captain Rangi Rata (Te Arawa Returned Services League) and Dr Reynold Macpherson (Vice President Rotorua Returned Services Association)."

Laying of the wreaths will take place during the service, and pipers from the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band will play as well as the Rotorua Municipal Brass Band.

To conclude there will be a special performance by Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue honouring Sir Robert (Bom) Gillies (14 February 1925 – 7 November 2024) who was the last surviving member of the Māori Battalion.

Anzac Day Road closures (8.30am – 10am):

Road closures in Rotorua will be:

- Queens Drive from Prince’s Gate Arch to Te Arawa War Memorial (roundabout next to the Rotorua Museum).

- Arawa Street from Prince’s Gate Arch to the intersection of Fenton Street, (not including the roundabout).

People are encouraged to avoid the Prince’s Gate entrance to Government Gardens due to the road closure.