New Zealand / Defence Force

Public welcome at many Anzac Day services under orange Covid setting

13:57 pm on 23 April 2022

The Returned and Services Association says the public is welcome to attend the Anzac Day dawn service at Auckland Museum on Monday.

The public is welcome to attend Monday's Anzac Day ceremony at Auckland Museum. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Bond

It had previously been reported that the event was invite only, however RSA national president BJ Clark said that only applies to dignitaries - not the general public.

"The veterans will be in one area to protect them from any danger of Covid, but the public are more than welcome to attend at ceremonies, we hope that they do."

BJ Clark said the RSA had to work to change things after the government's Covid traffic light setting changed from red to orange.

In Wellington, there will be a dawn service at Pukeahu, along with an 11am citizens service.

There will be a number of other services around the country and people can check with their local RSA to find out what is happening, he said.

BJ Clark said there are a number of cenotaphs around the country which are often not visited.

"It would be a wonderful thing for members of the public just to the local cenotaph and you know maybe just have a wee moment of reflection and lay their poppies at those cenotaphs."

He said there are also a number of people organising their own small community parades.

"I think that's a wonderful thing, not only does it do a great deal for remembrance but it's a strengthening of community groups."