Honouring the Fallen: How Citycare Property Prepares for Anzac Day Across Aotearoa

Each year on April 25, New Zealanders pause to remember and reflect on Anzac Day—a national day of remembrance marking the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 claimed the lives of more than 130,000 soldiers, including 2,779 New Zealanders and over 8,700 Australians. 

Observed for the first time in 1916 and made an official public holiday in 1920, Anzac Day was initially established to honour the sacrifices made by New Zealand troops during the Great War. Over time, its scope has grown to encompass all New Zealand service personnel who have served and fallen in conflicts from World War I and II to more recent missions across the globe. 

Today, Anzac Day is marked with dawn services, parades, and community gatherings at cenotaphs, cemeteries, and memorial sites around the country. These commemorations provide a solemn and meaningful opportunity for communities to pay tribute to the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of those who have served. 

At Citycare Property, Anzac Day carries a deep sense of pride and purpose. With more than 100 ANZAC-related sites under our Open Space Management portfolio across the motu, our kaimahi  play a vital role in ensuring that these sacred places are maintained to the highest standard for the commemorations. 

From cenotaphs and monuments to gardens, plinths, and cemeteries, each site is carefully prepared to reflect the significance of the day. As Dave Ross, Branch Manager at Citycare Property Ngāruawāhia, explains, the work begins well in advance. 

“We like to get in early to plant annuals, so they’re in full bloom by April 25,” says Dave. “Closer to the date, our crews water blast and tidy hard surfaces to make sure everything looks pristine. We also help with the planting of Anzac crosses and do a final check before services begin to clear any rubbish and make sure everything is as it should be.” 

In Ngāruawāhia alone, the team manages 20 ANZAC sites. For some team members, this work is especially meaningful—two staff are ex-service personnel and approach their tasks with the same care, discipline, and respect instilled during their time in uniform. 

“Anzac Day is incredibly important to us,” Dave adds. “We put a lot of time and effort into making sure everything is perfect. Since 2016, we’ve also volunteered monthly to maintain the RSA gardens in Ngāruawāhia—something we all take pride in.” 

In the Far North region, Citycare Property is responsible for 27 key ANZAC locations. Operations Manager Nick Edwards, a former member of the NZ Defence Forces, says the team ensures these sites are well-kept year-round, with added attention in the weeks leading up to Anzac Day. 

“We ramp up with extra water blasting and a final site check—often before the dawn service begins,” says Nick. “It’s a role I take personally. I’ve lost friends in combat, and I’ll be at the Kerikeri Domain service.”

Across the country, many Citycare Property kaimahi bring personal military experience to their roles, with more than 100 years of combined service among the team. For them, maintaining these sites isn’t just a job—it’s a tribute. 

In Auckland, much of the groundwork begins months in advance. Moss and mould treatments are applied to hard surfaces at least three months before Anzac Day, while the final water blasting is completed the week prior. Garden bed changeovers start in early March to ensure flowers are blooming beautifully by late April, and any last-minute planting is handled in the days leading up to the event. 

Even lawn care is timed with precision. Lawns are freshly mowed just before commemorative crosses are placed—too early, and the grass becomes unruly; too late, and the moment is missed. It’s a fine balance, made possible by close coordination between operations teams and volunteers. 

As Anzac Day approaches, Citycare Property continues its quiet yet critical role in honouring those who served. With attention to detail, a deep sense of responsibility, and personal dedication from our team.