Palmerston North will come together to honour the sacrifices of New Zealand’s servicemen and women this Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April.
This year’s commemorations mark a significant milestone, recognising 100 years since the unveiling of The War Memorial – Cenotaph in Te Marae o Hine – The Square, as well as 110 years of the Palmerston North RSA.
The city’s official services will take place in Te Marae o Hine – The Square, with the dawn service at 6am, followed by the civic service at 9am.
These services provide an opportunity for the community to unite in remembrance, reflect on the courage of those who served, and acknowledge the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Palmerston North City Council encourages all residents and visitors to take part in these significant national commemorations. More details will be available on the PNCC webpage.
A special feature of this year’s commemorations will be the presence of Mounted Rifles horses from the Anzac Mounts Rehab Unit, honouring the role that horses played in wartime and paying tribute to those who served alongside soldiers.
The Biggin Hill Trust at Ohakea will still be flying as part of our Civic Service. This year is particularly special, as it will be the first time the Spitfire, Mustang, and Avenger have flown together over our city.
Alongside the official services, there are a number of other events taking place across the city to mark Anzac Day. These include two special screening of Devils on Horses at the Globe Theatre. This documentary explores the bond between soldiers and their horses during the First World War. Filmed largely in Manawatū and Rangitikei regions, the film features horses from the Anzac Mounts Rehab Unit.
Screenings will take place on:
- Sunday 26 April, 7.00pm
Tickets are available via the Globe Theatre Box Office or online.
These services and events provide an opportunity for the community to unite in remembrance and reflect on the courage of those who served.
The Palmerston North City Council encourages all residents and visitors to take part in these significant national commemorations.
Anzac Day services across the city
- Palmerston North Dawn Service – 6am, The War Memorial – Cenotaph at Te Marae o Hine – The Square
- Ashhurst Dawn Service – 6am, Post Office Corner Reserve
- Palmerston North Civic Service – 9am, The War Memorial – Cenotaph at Te Marae o Hine – The Square
- Bunnythorpe Service – 10.30am, Bunnythorpe War Memorial
- Ashhurst Civic Service – 12pm, Post Office Corner Reserve
Road closures will be in place around Te Marae o Hine – The Square during the morning to safely accommodate the services and parade. There will also be temporary road closures in Ashhurst to support the services there.
There are a number of other ways that the city is getting behind Anzac Day this year, including a children’s colouring competition run through the Palmerston North City Library team, and the Palmy BID sponsored shop-front window display competition.