New Zealand: Anzac Day celebrations across the country April 25

Event

Commemorative events will take place across New Zealand to mark Anzac Day - a day of remembrance in honor of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers - on Wednesday, April 25. An increased security presence should be anticipated in the area of events and in urban centers more generally. A dawn service and National Commemorative Service will be held at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, with events scheduled to start early Wednesday morning (local time) and conclude around 17:00. Another dawn service will be held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum beginning at 06:00. Dozens more events will take place in cities and towns across the country and many stores and businesses are expected to remain closed at least for the morning while events are ongoing.

Context

Observed annually on April 25, Anzac Day is a national memorial holiday in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in war. Anzac Day was originally designated to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who participated in the 1915 Battle of Gallipoli, the first major battle involving Australia and New Zealand in World War I.

Advice

Individuals present in New Zealand should remain alert, follow all instructions issued by authorities, and avoid particularly crowded areas. Individuals should anticipate transportation disruptions and plan ahead for congestion and delays.