Communities across Horowhenua will come together on Saturday 25 April 2026 to mark Anzac Day and remember those who served and sacrificed in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations.
Anzac Day remains one of New Zealand’s most significant days of remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the courage, service and loss connected to war, and to honour returned and current New Zealand Defence Force personnel.
A range of dawn, civic and retreat services will be held across the district, with commemorations taking place in Foxton, Levin, Manakau, Moutoa, Ōhau, Shannon, Tokomaru and Waitārere Beach.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says Anzac Day continues to hold deep meaning for communities across Horowhenua.
“Anzac Day gives us the chance to stop, reflect and remember those who served our country, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It is also an opportunity for people of all ages to come together as a community, pay their respects and acknowledge the lasting impact of service across generations.”
People are encouraged to attend a local service and take part in this year’s commemorations.
Anzac Day observances in Horowhenua on Saturday 25 April 2026
Foxton 28th Māori Battalion Service
5.45am – Head to cenotaph for Foxton Dawn Service
6.30am – Service at St John’s Methodist Church, Avenue Road, following the Dawn Service
Foxton Dawn Service
5.30am – Assemble on Clyde Street, outside Foxton Memorial Hall
5.45am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
6.00am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Service will take place in Foxton Memorial Hall
Foxton Civic Ceremony
9.00am – Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Main Street
9.35am – Parade assembles on Wharf Street and moves off to Cenotaph
9.40am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place inside Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom
Levin Dawn Service
5.45am – Assemble on the corner of Kent and Winchester Streets
6.00am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
6.15am – Cenotaph Service begins
6.45am – Return parade down Kent Street
Wet weather alternative: Service will take place at Levin RSA
Levin Civic Ceremony
10.00am – Parade assembles on Kent Street, past Thompson House Gardens
10.10am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
10.15am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place in Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō
Levin Retreat Ceremonies
4.45pm – The Avenue Cemetery
5.15pm – Tiro Tiro Road Cemetery
Manakau Special Memorial Service
7.20am – Assemble outside Manakau Hall to march to the War Memorial in Honi Taipua Street
Moutoa Civic Ceremony
9.00am – Moutoa Memorial Gates, Foxton-Shannon Road
Ōhau Civic Ceremony
3.00pm – Formal reflections and acknowledgement of Anzac Day at Ōhau Community Hall
3.30pm – Tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits, all welcome
Shannon Civic Ceremony
11.15am – Parade assembles at the corner of Vance Street and Plimmer Terrace
11.25am – Parade moves off to Cenotaph
11.30am – Cenotaph Service begins
Wet weather alternative: Ceremony will take place in Shannon Memorial Hall
Tokomaru Civic Ceremony
10.00am – RSA and Country Club, Matipo Street
Waitārere Beach Civic Ceremony
8.30am – Tea and coffee at Waitārere Beach Bowling Club, Park Avenue
9.00am – Service begins
Road closures
Some temporary road closures will be in place to support the safety of participants and the public during parades and services. People are asked to follow signage and allow a little extra time when travelling on the day.
Wet Weather contingency
If bad weather is forecast, ceremonies will move indoors where possible. Any venue changes will be announced on Council’s Facebook page (@HorowhenuaDC) on the morning of Anzac Day.
Lest we forget.