Anzac Day
A DigitalNZ Story by squiggle_top
A series of questions about symbols and the change over time of how Anzac Day is commemorated in New Zealand
A series of questions to start the conversations
These resources have been collated to create a starting point for exploring primary sources about symbols and commemorations associated with Anzac Day.
How has the commemoration of Anzac Day has changed over time?
- What happened on the first Anzac Day?
- How was it commemorated 100 years ago?
- How is it acknowledged now where you live?
- Is there a public place or statue in your town associated with Anzac Day?
The First Anzac Day, 25 April 1916.
Listen to this RadioNZ interview with RSA historian Dr Stephen Clarke from 25 April 2008.
Radio New Zealand
Carillon War Memorial opening. 1932.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Anzac Day on television.
Watch Māori TV coverage of ANZAC Day, 2006.
NZ On Screen
Dawn Service, National Commemoration and the Last Post.
Watch time lapse video of the 2017 Anzac Day ceremonies, held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Why is the poppy associated with Anzac Day?
- When did the RSA Poppy Day begin?
- Who makes the poppies?
- Are there poppies where you live?
- Do other countries have the poppy as a symbol too?
Anzac
DigitalNZ
'Poppies over Gallipoli' sculpture in Anzac Drive Reserve
Christchurch City Libraries
ANZAC Quilt created at the Palmerston North City Library, 2017.
Palmerston North City Library
What do the war memorials mean to communities?
- When did the war memorials first appear in your community?
- Whose names appear on the memorials?
Whitford War Memorial Domain, memorial gates, 2014
Auckland Libraries
Maungaraki War Memorial : photograph
Wairarapa Archive
Anzac Day is part of the World War I experience
- When during World War I did the 25 April campaign take place (i.e. at the beginning or the end of the war)?
Explore this Anzac Day story on DigitalNZ
The Story of the the Anzacs and New Zealand's experience of the First World War in photographs.
DigitalNZ
Resources from National Library of New Zealand | Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa
- Anzac | Where can I find information about the ANZACs and Anzac Day? ManyAnswers entry for Junior Secondary (Year 7-10) students provides background information and links to a wide range of resources.
- Topic Explorer: Anzac has links to a range of primary resources, websites, videos, articles, photos and other content.
- Explore the Cartographic Collection to find archival maps of the ANZAC position in Gallipoli.
Story updated & revised January 2025.