Free buses this Anzac Day in Tauranga

People wanting to commemorate Anzac Day are being offered free park and ride services.

Anzac Day 2015 holds extra special meaning this year as it will commemorate 100 years since New Zealand and Australian soldiers landed on the beaches of Gallipoli. To recognise this, Mount Maunganui RSA and Tauranga RSA will join together for a combined civic memorial service at the Tauranga Domain on Saturday 25 April at 9:45am.

Tauranga City Council manager: Strategic Events Pip Loader said they were expecting between 6000 and 8000 people at this year's civic memorial service, and she is advising people to allow themselves plenty of time to get to the venue to ensure they are seated by 9.45am.

The free Park and Ride services will be available from Greerton RSA and Mount Maunganui RSA to and from Tauranga Domain.

The council's Elizabeth St and Spring St parking buildings are free on Saturdays. Cameron Rd between Chapel St and Brown St intersection and Hamilton St will be closed to traffic from 8am until 12 noon on Saturday 25 April 2015. The event will be held regardless of weather - there is no alternative venue.

The change of venue from Memorial Park to Tauranga Domain for this year's civic service is in recognition of the historical significance of the War Memorial Gates, which commemorate the fallen.

Mount RSA and Tauranga RSA will still hold individual dawn services. The combined civic service at Tauranga Domain replaces both the civic services that were previously held at Memorial Park and Mount Drury.

Tauranga City Mayor Stuart Crosby said the joint civic memorial service was a strong reminder of the importance of community and togetherness.

For more event information, please go to www.tauranga.govt.nz.