Drizzle and the Aerosmith concert the previous night appeared to have impacted on numbers this year, which were certainly down on the 10,000-strong crowd at last year's service.
The Anzac address was delivered by Captain Dean McDougall, who said ''We join together today to remember and honour the men and women who served our country in past conflicts, and those who continue to serve our country in New Zealand's navy, army and airforce''.
While Anzac Day was a time to reflect on the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, ''we should also remember other places around the world where we suffered previous loss''.
''Today we particular mention those lost or wounded in Afghanistan.
''Like those killed in past conflicts their communities where the most recent fallen have come from, do whatever they can to support those who have lost their most valuable treasure; their children.''
He noted soon the country would be commemorating 100 years since Gallipoli and he urged communities to get involved in marking the centenary.
