Thousands are expected to gather for Palmerston North’s ANZAC Day services on 25 April. An organising committee have collaborated to ensure the two city services are run seamlessly.

The organising committee comprises PNRSA representatives, PNCC staff, New Zealand Defence staff, Rangitane iwi, and community groups including PN Brass Band, PN Pipe Band, Unity Singers, QEC school and Sea cadets.

The day will begin with the Dawn Service. Participants including RSA members, veterans and serving (uniformed) personnel will form-up outside the All Saints Church at 5.30am before marching to the Cenotaph in the Square.

Col. Matthew Weston from the New Zealand Army will deliver the main address. He will be followed by Juliet Fakahau, a student at Palmerston North Girls’ High School.

After the Dawn Service, the Cosmopolitan Club in Linton Street will open at 6.30am for the traditional rum and coffee till 7am. A special $5 dawn breakfast will also be on offer till 8am (Veterans are no cost).

At 9am, the Civic Commemoration Service is held, also at the Cenotaph. GPCAPT Shaun Sexton of the New Zealand Air Force will deliver the main address and will be followed by a speech from Grace Fakahau, also a Palmerston North Girls’ High School student. Those wanting to march in the parade for this service should gather outside All Saint’s Church at 8.30am.

Near the conclusion of the Civic Commemoration Service, a 1944 Supermarine Spitfire, a 1945 Grumman Avenger and two Beechcraft T6 Texans will fly-over The Square at 10am.

Morning tea for the community is being served after the Civic Service at 10am at the Conference and Functions Centre on Main Street, where Mayor Grant Smith will deliver a short address. The Cosmopolitan Club will also be open for those wanting to attend activities for the remainder of the day.

At both services there will be tiered seating available, two large screen will relay live footage and display words for songs. There will also be a sign language interpreter in attendance.

Service sheets will be distributed prior to each service. These can also be printed at home directly from the Palmerston North City Council’s website www.pncc.govt.nz/anzac or accessed on mobile devices on the day.

Other services being held in or around the city are:

Bunnythorpe – Cenotaph – 9.30am - Community Service

Ashhurst – Village Green – 6am Dawn Service and 12pm Civic Service

Maori Battalion Hall – Cuba Street – 10.30am

Linton Military Camp – 6am Dawn Service

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