The dawn service unfolds at Kaiuku Marae in Māhia. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
Hundreds of people gathered at Kaiuku Marae in Māhia where poppies and white crosses were placed in the ground around the local war memorial.
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Wairoa RSA president Jeremy Harker said Kaiuku Marae always had a big turnout for the dawn service.
"Obviously there's a lot of understanding about the past, and I think this is a pretty special place and people like coming out here.
"It's quite cool, you know the first place to see the light, so it works really well and it's just a really special occasion."
Jeremy Harker, left, and Wairoa mayor Craig Little. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
He said there would be services throughout the district, culminating in Wairoa at 11.30am.
Wairoa mayor Craig Little said he used to watch the dawn ceremony at the marae when he was living in Australia
He has been attending for the past 12 years.
"Every dawn parade every year is just amazing out here, it's just very surreal you know and people just keep coming back."
Little said it was important to remember those who gave their lives while serving.
"I just think we're not forgetting which is great, and that's so important."
It was a big day of services throughout the region, he said.
"It's a really good day, it's a pretty hectic day, but it's really good."
Dawn breaks at Māhia. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
