Observed annually on 25 April, ANZAC Day is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant national commemorations. It marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War, where Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought side by side. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

To honour those we’ve lost to war and the service of returned men and women, a full programme of ANZAC Day observances will take place throughout Horowhenua. The community is warmly invited to gather in person to reflect, remember, and pay tribute.

Services and ceremonies will be held in Levin, Foxton, Shannon, Manakau, Moutoa, Waitārere Beach, Ōhau and Tokomaru.

Mayor Bernie Wanden encourages everyone to take part. “We will always be grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. ANZAC Day is a time to come together and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today and to honour those still serving around the world to protect peace and security.”

ANZAC Day Observances – Friday 25 April 2025

Foxton 28th Māori Battalion Service
5.00am – St John’s Methodist Church, Avenue Road
5.45am – Walk to Cenotaph for Dawn Service

Foxton Dawn Service
5.30am – Assemble on Clyde Street outside the Foxton Memorial Hall
6.00am – Cenotaph Service

Foxton Civic Ceremony
9.00am – Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Main Street
9.35am – Parade assembles on Wharf Street
9.40am – Cenotaph Service

Levin Dawn Service
5.45am – Assemble at corner of Kent and Winchester Streets
6.00am – Parade moves off
6.15am – Cenotaph Service
6.45am – Return parade

Levin Civic Ceremony
10.00am – Parade assembles at Thompson House Gardens, Kent Street
10.10am – Parade moves off
10.15am – Cenotaph Service

Levin Retreat Ceremonies
4.45pm – The Avenue Cemetery
5.15pm – Tiro Tiro Road Cemetery

Manakau Special Memorial Service
7.20am – Assemble at Manakau Hall – March to War Memorial, Honi Taipua Street

Moutoa Civic Ceremony
9.00am – Moutoa Memorial Gates, Foxton-Shannon Road

Ōhau Civic Ceremony
3.00pm – Ōhau Community Hall
3.30pm – Tea, coffee and ANZAC biscuits

Shannon Civic Ceremony
11.15am – Parade assembles at Vance Street and Plimmer Terrace
11.25am – Parade moves off
11.30am – Cenotaph Service

Tokomaru Civic Ceremony
10.00am – RSA and Country Club, Matipo Street

Waitārere Beach Civic Ceremony
8.30am – Tea and coffee at Waitārere Beach Bowling Club
9.00am – Service begins

Please note the change of parade route for both the Levin and Foxton Dawn Services.

Road Closures

Temporary road closures will be in place to support the safety of participants and the public during parades and services. Detours will be clearly signposted. Closures apply to all traffic except emergency and event vehicles.

• Levin: Cambridge and Kent Streets (5.00am to 12.00pm)
• Foxton: Clyde, Liddell, Wharf, and Ravensworth Streets (times vary from 5.00am to 12.00pm)
• Shannon: Plimmer Terrace (10.30am to 1.00pm)

For detailed closure times, visit: horowhenua.govt.nz/ANZAC

Wet Weather Contingency

If bad weather is forecast, ceremonies will move indoors where possible. Any venue changes will be announced on Council’s Facebook page (@HorowhenuaDC) on the morning of ANZAC Day.

Let us gather to honour their memory lest we forget.

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