Veterans, military members and the public have gathered to mark Anzac Day and remember those who gave their lives in combat.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon remembered his great-grandfather Charles Smith who fought in WWI.

Hundreds of people arrived in Wellington. The New Zealand and Australian flags are now raised to full masthead.

The chiefs of the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces have spoken of the strong bond between the countries.

In Auckland, nearly 20,000 people attended the dawn service as families huddled in the cold morning air.

In Christchurch, a crowd gathered at Cathedral Square for the dawn service, in fine but chilly conditions. It is the second dawn service in the heart of the city since the 2011 earthquake.

Follow live updates from RNZ staff who are covering events from all around New Zealand: