21 Apr 2017

Share this story

A dawn service in Cranmer Square will give Christchurch residents a chance to remember New Zealand’s fallen soldiers on Anzac Day.

Memorial crosses erected in Cranmer Square.

Memorial crosses honouring Christchurch's fallen soldiers have been erected in Cranmer Square ahead of Anzac Day commemorations.

The commemorations that mark Australia and New Zealand’s deadly Gallipoli campaign will begin at 6.15am when war veterans will gather at the Returned Services Association building in Armagh St and parade the short distance to Cranmer Square for the traditional dawn service.

During the service dignitaries including Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and the Honourable Nicky Wagner will join representatives of the New Zealand’s armed forces in laying wreaths in memory of the men who gave their lives for their country.

The New Zealand Army Band will perform at the service, which will end with the playing of The Last Post, a minute’s silence, and then the singing of the New Zealand national anthem.

About 15,000 people traditionally attend the service, which is one of many held around the country.

The approaches to Cranmer Square will be closed from 5.30am. You can find details information about road closures on the Transport for Christchurch website.

Later in the morning there will be an Anzac Day Citizens’ Service in the Christ Church Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square.

Anzac Day services will also be held at:

  • The Akaroa War Memorial, Akaroa - 11.30am
  • The Victoria Park Memorial, Cashmere  - 8am
  • Jane Deans Close, Riccarton - 9am
  • The Burwood Monument, cnr Lake Terrace and New Brighton Rd, Burwood - 11am
  • Diamond Harbour (meet at the community store) - 10.30am
  • Little River Community Hall - 9.30am
  • St Barnabas Church, Fendalton - 10am
  • Halswell Domain War Memorial - 9am
  • Martindales and Bridal Path Rd corner, Heathcote - 6.15am
  • Hei Hei War Memorial - 9am
  • Lyttelton (meet corner London and Oxford streets) - 9.45am
  • New Brighton War Memorial Cenotaph - 10am
  • Papanui RSA Clubrooms - 10am
  • Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library - 6.30am
  • Sumner (meet corner Stoke St and Esplanade) - 10.40am
  • Wigram Air Force Museum - midday