More than 9000 people have marked Anzac Day at the Dunedin Cenotaph.
Despite cold and drizzly conditions, young and old alike packed into the Queens Gardens and surrounding area to pay their respects.
The sombre ceremony took on extra gravitas in the 100th year since the Battle of Passchendaele, where New Zealand suffered devastating losses including the bloodiest day in New Zealand's military history.
More than 2700 New Zealanders were killed or wounded during the first Battle of Passchendaele on October 12.
"It was our army's most disastrous day of war and our losses shocked the nation,'' the Rev Dr Tony Martin told the crowd in Dunedin.
"Let us remember our fallen, renew our commitment to each other and our commitment to the causes of justice and peace throughout the world.''
Dunedin RSA president Lox Kellas called on those present to remember those who served overseas and pay particular reverence to those who did not return.
New Zealand Joint Forces deputy commander Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy said it was also a time to pay respect to those who were serving overseas at present.
About 500 New Zealanders were deployed overseas at present in areas as disparate as South Sudan, in Africa, and the waters of the South Pacific protecting Fiji's exclusive economic zone.
Following the ceremony, Mr Kellas said he was pleased with the turnout, particularly considering the weather.
"I was pleased to see so many schools here,'' he said.
"People from right across the whole spectrum it's pleasing to see.''
There were more than 300 people in attendance at the Mosgiel Anzac dawn service.
