The installation of the Rotorua District Field of Remembrance marked the start of Anzac commemorations in the district.
Locals and visitors are invited to come together at free commemorations in Rotorua in a day of remembrance and reflection for Anzac Day.
The installation of the Rotorua District Field of Remembrance last Tuesdayat the Cenotaph in Government Gardens marked the start of Anzac commemorations in the district.
Each of the 110 crosses represents a soldier from the Rotorua district, who lost their life while serving during World War I.
The crosses will remain in place until May 1 and give everyone the opportunity to have a quiet moment of reflection and to place a personal tribute for those who lost their lives.
Thursday's Anzac Daymarks the Gallipoli Landings in 1915. In the months following more than 130,000 men died, including 2779 Kiwis.
The national theme of this year's Anzac commemorations is "Finding Our Way Back".
Following the conclusion of World War I in November 1918, soldiers were not able to return home immediately due to a shortage of ships and the need for personnel during the occupation of Germany.
The journey back is also a metaphor for the return to a peace-time society, and 2019 is the time to reflect on the future.
On Anzac Day the Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League will host a Dawn Service at Ohinemutu from 5.45am.
It will be conducted by Reverend Tom Poata and includes a short parade past the Muruika Soldiers' Cemetery.
The Anzac Day Parade will depart from Memorial Drive at 9am, and make its way to the Sportsdrome where the Civic Memorial Service starts at 9.30am.
Last year's Rotorua Anzac Day Dawn Service and parade at Muruika war cemetery at Ohinemutu. Photo / File
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council will provide a free bus travelling from the start of the parade in Memorial Drive to the Civic Service, departing at 9am for those needing transport.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said both the Dawn Service at Ohinemutu and the Civic Service later in the day were important to many people in the community.
She said over the last four years the national WW100 commemorations had brought a renewed focus to Anzac Day and other military commemorations, and all generations were being well represented at both services.
"I am very much looking forward to our community coming together again on Thursday as we remember those who fought for our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Last year's Rotorua Anzac Day parade makes its way through the Government Gardens led by Mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / File
Te Arawa Māori Returned Services League president Te Kei Merito said the response each year to the Dawn Service was impressive.
"The interest and energy shown by the public, especially our young people, who turn up so early in the morning is great to see."
He said there was a need to perpetuate the memories of the dead and the sacrifices our forefathers made, not just in World War I and places where the Anzacs fought, but also other warfare activities our soldiers were committed to.
He said the guest speaker for this year's Dawn Service was Darren O'Callaghan who had previously been part of St Faiths Church.
"It's a delight to have him come back to Rotorua in front of his previous church to deliver the keynote address."
Rotorua RSA vice-president Ron Hope said it was fantastic when the community came together for the Anzac Day services.
"It gives the RSA men a boost and is great for their morale."
He said it was important for the community to acknowledge the true meaning of Anzac Day and what it was about - "That our people stood up and were counted when difficulties arose".
"It's a great thing to see the acknowledgement over the whole country."
The Rotorua Lakes Council has been liaising with the local police on security requirements for the public events.
Anzac Day timings - 5.45am Dawn Service at Ohinemutu. Officiated by Reverend Tom Poata. - 8.45am Meet at Memorial Drive Parade - 9am Anzac Parade leaves Memorial Drive and heads through Government Gardens - 9am Free bus departs from Memorial Drive - 9.20am Parade arrives at Sportsdrome. - 9.30am Anzac Civic Memorial Service begins at Sportsdrome (expected duration: 1 hour) Service officiated by Reverend Tom Poata. Guest speakers - Major (Rtd) Pita Anaru MNZM, E.D., M.I.D., JP (Rtd) and Anahira Ropitini, deputy head girl of Reporoa College. Ken Douglas playing the Last Post. Ode to the Fallen read out by Te Kei Merito and Bryce Morrison. Music by City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band, Evelyn Falconer, Rotorua Brass Band and members of the Western Heights High School Choir. Poem read by Pamela Miley-Terry QSM, retired Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps Major.
Anzac Day Road closures - Memorial Drive (at the lakefront) and Queens Drive closed from 8am to 10am. - People driving to the Sportsdrome are encouraged to arrive before 9am or avoid the Princes Gate entrance to Government Gardens and instead enter past Polynesian Spa.
