25 Apr 2022

Anzac Day in photos: Thousands pay respects

4:48 pm on 25 April 2022

Thousands have turned out for Anzac Day services and commemorations around the country - here's the day in photos.

Anzac Day collage, 25 April 2022

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver / Jordan Bond

The day began with thousands attending Dawn Services around the country starting at 6am to pay their respects to soldiers who fought under the Anzac banner.

The crowd gathering for the Dawn Service in Hamilton

The crowd gathering for the Dawn Service in Hamilton. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae

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Members of the Defence Force pay their respects at the Dawn Service in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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The Dawn Ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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Dawn Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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Dawn breaking as Auckland Anzac service nears end. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Bond

After the Dawn Service in Auckland

After the Dawn Service in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Bond

Meanwhile, our neighbours over the Tasman took part in commemorative Dawn Services across Australia a few hours later.

A member of the Catafalque Party participates in the annual ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day dawn service on Coogee Beach in Sydney on April 25, 2022.

A member of the Catafalque Party participates in the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service on Coogee Beach in Sydney. Photo: AFP

A  member of the Australian Defence Force salutes next to the Cenotaph during the annual ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day dawn service in Sydney on April 25, 2022.

A member of the Australian Defence Force salutes next to the Cenotaph during the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service in Sydney. Photo: AFP

The second National Anzac service was held at 11am in Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington.

A crowd of about 2000 looked on as dignitaries - including the governor-general, the Australian high commissioner and the Turkish ambassador - laid wreaths at the tomb of the unknown warrior.

Wreaths laid at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington

Wreaths laid at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Governer-General Dame Cindy Kiro at the National Commemoration Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial

Governer-General Dame Cindy Kiro at the National Commemoration Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Among them was Sir Willie Apiata, who laid a wreath together with Jemma Grant on behalf of the youth.

The flag, which had been lowered to half mast while the Last Post sounded, was raised to the sound of the Rouse bugle call.

Willie Apiata VC at the Anzac Day National Service in Wellington

Willie Apiata VC at the Anzac Day National Service in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

People stand during the National Commemoration Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington.

People stand during the National Commemoration Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems were sung by the youth choir, accompanied by the air force band.

The ceremony concluded with a minute's silence and a prayer for peace, before members of the public laid wreaths at memorials in Anzac Park.

Airforce flyover at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington on Anzac Day 2022.

Airforce flyover at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Royal Air Force band at the National Anzac Day service

Royal Air Force band at the National Anzac Day service. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Wellington on Anzac Day

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Wellington on Anzac Day. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Wellington on Anzac Day. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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