There will be no dawn service at the Lake Hawea dam nor will the Tiger Moths fly over Wanaka this year on April 25, but a campaign to continue to recognise the ANZAC spirit and the many New Zealanders who have served their country is gathering momentum.

The Returned Services Association (RSA), together with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), is encouraging public support for its campaign Stand at Dawn.

All traditional public services have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but ANZAC Day remains one of the most important national occasions for New Zealanders, Wanaka RSA committee chair Major Ian Piercy said.

This is a time to acknowledge and pay respect to the many thousands of our military people who are serving, or have served, and those who are called upon to support New Zealand in times of war, conflict and disasters, he said.

The Tiger Moths will not fly this year.

“Even though public ANZAC services are unable to go ahead, it does not mean that the tradition of remembering and commemorating our veterans and service personnel should be cancelled too,” he said.

Instead the public is invited to “stand with” RSA and NZDF personnel at 6:00am on Saturday April 25 by standing at their front doors, on lawns, balconies, driveways, or in lounges, “wherever they can maintain their bubble”, and remember those who gave their lives for our country, he said. 

“Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen,” Ian said.

Radio New Zealand National will broadcast an official dawn service starting at 6:00am on both its AM and FM frequencies. You can listen live via the internet here or download RNZ’s app for your mobile phone here.

The morning service includes the Last Post, the Ode of Remembrance, national anthems and an address by the Minister of Defence and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Ron Mark.

Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals just as they would for the official public gathering. 

“Let’s show the world our support! Take a photo or a video clip and Tag #StandAtDawn #AnzacDay @RSANational @NZDefenceForce,” Ian said. 

PHOTOS: Wanaka App