ANZAC Civic Memorial Service

Ka maumahara tonu tātau ki a rātau. We will remember them.

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.

On Sunday 25 April 2021 Rotorua will be hosting 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.

8.50 am: Meet at Memorial Plaza (Lake end of Fenton Street)
9 am: ANZAC Parade leaves Memorial Plaza and heads through Government Gardens
9.20 am: Parade arrives at Energy Events Centre, Rotorua
9.30 am ANZAC Civic Memorial Service begins (the service will take about an hour)

The officiating Minister will be Reverend Tom Poata, with Her Worship the Mayor Steve Chadwick introducing this year’s guest speakers: Warrant Officer of the Navy, Warrant Officer Lance Graham, Student representatives from Rotorua Girls High School will also speak including Helena Dou’ble (Head Girl) and Hope Smith (Deputy Head Girl).

Ken Douglas will play the Last Post on his bugle before the Ode to the Fallen is read by WO11 Pererika Makiha (President of Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League) and Ron Hope (President of Rotorua Returned Services Association.

During the laying of the wreaths pipers from the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band will play.

Music to conclude the event will be performed by the Rotorua Brass Band and Elisha Hulton, along with students from Rotorua Boys High School. There will be a special performance by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band who will be in town for the commemorations.

Please be aware of the following road closures in place for ANZAC Day (Sunday 25 April):
*Memorial Plaza at the lakefront will be closed from 8 am to 10am.

*People driving to the Energy Events Centre are encouraged to avoid the Princes Gate entrance to Government Gardens and instead enter past Polynesian Spa and take the road behind Rotorua Museum and the Energy Events Centre, or arrive before 9 am.