The echo of a 25-pounder field gun rang through quiet city streets, marking 106 years since the Anzacs landed on the shores of Gallipoli.
And across the South, the sacrifices made in war were once again remembered at cenotaphs, halls and parks.
Last year, New Zealanders paid their respects from their letterboxes and lounge rooms during the Covid-19 lockdown.
But this year there was a return of public displays of respect for those who died or suffered trauma in war.
Colonel Kate Lee, of the New Zealand Defence Force, who gave the address, recalled not just the men and women who had served but also those who continued to keep New Zealanders safe.
"This morning we gather here together at dawn, a sacred ritual that was first commemorated on the 25th of April 1916 — one year after the fateful landings on the shore of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
"On that Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders gathered in their communities to mourn the horrific loses at Gallipoli," Col Lee said.
"Significantly, this year our service people, up to 1200 at any one time, continue to work on our borders supporting the New Zealand response to the Covid-19 pandemic."
Dunedin RSA president Lox Kellas said this year the RSA chose to highlight the experiences of women in the military.
That meant recognising both women in uniform and the women who watched their sons, daughters, husbands or lovers depart not knowing if they would return.
Yesterday’s service went "very well" and the turnout, while slightly down on 2019, was good.
The Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) Anzac Day service was held indoors at the university and Te Roopu Maori kapa haka group performed to a standing-room-only crowd.
Despite inclement weather across the South yesterday, large crowds were reported in Gore, Invercargill and Wanaka. Crowds were reportedly down in Queenstown. In Te Anau, up to 1000 people gathered for the commemoration. About 600 people gathered at the Great War Memorial in Oamaru at dawn.
