18 Apr 2016

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Christchurch City Council is encouraging people to pay their respect to New Zealand's fallen soldiers by attending the Anzac Day dawn service in Cranmer Square.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the service was an opportunity for communities to come together and reflect on the courage of New Zealand's servicemen and women, both past and present.

"The service usually attracts a crowd of more than 15,000 people and it is especially pleasing to see an increasing number of young people getting involved and wearing the medals earned by their grandparents or other relatives," Mayor Dalziel said.

"One hundred years ago our service men and women were in the midst of the First World War. Attending an ANZAC Day dawn parade is a special act of remembrance for the sacrifices they made,'' the Mayor said.

This year's Dawn Service has been organised by the Council in conjunction with the Canterbury Branch of the Malaya Veterans Association and the Christchurch Brank of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA).

It will start at 6.15am with a parade from the RSA building in Armagh St to Cranmer Square.

During the service, which will be led by the Dean of Christ Church Transitional Cathedral, the Very Reverend Lawrence Kimberley, wreaths will be laid on behalf of the New Zealand and Australian Governments.

Representatives of the diplomatic community, Christchurch-based consular corps, New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Police, Order of St John, cadet corps, New Zealand Fire Service and the Merchant Navy will also lay wreaths.

Approaches to Cranmer Square will be closed from 5.30am. You can find detailed information about road closures on the Christchurch Transport Operations Centre website.

The Council is also organising the Anzac Day Citizens' Service to be held at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral at 10am.

The address will be given by Commander Simon Rooke, RNZN. who is the Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury. Leopard Coachlines Canterbury Brass and the Canterbury Plainsmen male voice choir will provide musical and choral accompaniment.

"I particularly enjoy the involvement of Christchurch youth groups and their parade of colours in this service," Mayor Dalziel ssaid.

Find out about other services being held around the district.