Aucklanders are being encouraged to gather across the region this Anzac Day to honour the sacrifices of New Zealand’s servicemen and women, with more than 70 parades and services planned throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.
Observed annually on 25 April, Anzac Day marks a time of remembrance for those who gave their lives in service to their country, as well as returned service personnel.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown will attend the Dawn Service at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, located in the Auckland Domain. He noted the personal significance of the day, given his family history.
“It’s my absolute privilege to once again take part in the yearly Dawn Service for Anzac Day. As many already know, my father’s account of war had a profound impact on me and while he was fortunate enough to come home, many others did not return," Mayor Brown says.
“Today, we acknowledge that very fact by coming together throughout the city to commemorate our fallen soldiers and honour our returned servicemen and women, right up to those who are serving today. I hope all Aucklanders will join us where possible, as we pay our respects this Anzac Day.”
Initially established to commemorate the soldiers of New Zealand and Australia who fought and died at Gallipoli during the First World War, the day has since evolved to honour all who have served in conflicts involving New Zealand.
This year, Auckland Council and the Auckland RSA (Returned Services Association) have extended a warm invitation to all residents to take part in events across the city.
The Dawn Service at Auckland War Memorial Museum begins at 6am, followed by a haka performed by Vanguard Military School in honour of the fields of remembrance. Auckland Council, in partnership with Auckland RSA and other veteran and community groups, is supporting the full schedule of commemorations.
Alongside the services, the city’s landmarks will be illuminated in a show of support. Key locations will shine in poppy-red for Poppy Day, the RSA’s annual fundraiser on 11 April, which raises funds for veteran health and wellbeing services. Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will feature commemorative lighting from 10–12 April for Poppy Day, and again from 22–25 April for Anzac Day. A full light and sound show will be available to view at vector.co.nz/lights.
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum will also be lit from dusk until dawn between 23 and 25 April, including on the evening of Anzac Day. Other sites, such as the Queen Street Lights, will also participate in the tribute.
A full list of local parades and civic services can be found on the Our Auckland website, which will be updated with the latest event information.
All Aucklanders are encouraged to attend and take a moment of reflection as the city unites in remembrance.
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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51.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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15% Critical thinking
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30.1% Resilience and adaptability
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3% Other - I will share below!
The Gospel’s Relevance Today**
The Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? This analysis seeks to explore what the Bible itself defines as the Gospel and to understand its enduring significance.
**Defining the Gospel: Core Biblical References**
The Gospel is not a vague concept; Scripture provides clear descriptions of its content and focus.
* **The Gospel of the Kingdom:** In Matthew 4:23, as Jesus begins his ministry, he is described as “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” This immediately establishes that the good news is centrally about a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. His accompanying miracles served to validate the authority of this message.
* **The Gospel of Jesus Christ:** Mark 1:1 opens with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Here, “Christ” is a title meaning ‘anointed one’. Thus, the good news is intrinsically about Jesus: his identity as the Anointed One and his unique status as the Son of God.
* **The Gospel of God’s Grace:** In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul speaks of his mission to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Grace signifies an undeserved gift. This reveals that the Gospel involves a gift from God, offered not because it is merited, but out of His benevolence.
* **The Gospel of Salvation and Peace:** Romans 1:16 declares the Gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile (Greek). Furthermore, Romans 10:15 calls it the “gospel of peace,” pointing to a future state of peace brought about by this message.
* **The Gospel Summarised:** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 provides a foundational summary. Paul reminds believers of the gospel he preached, “by which also you are saved.” He then states its core historical facts: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The Gospel is therefore rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
In synthesis, the Gospel is the good news of **salvation and future peace in the Kingdom of God**, made possible by **the grace of God** and **the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ**, and offered to all who believe.
**Old Testament Foundations: The Gospel Preached to Abraham**
A crucial question is whether the Gospel is confined to the New Testament. Scripture shows its foundations were laid much earlier. Galatians 3:8 states explicitly that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’”
This reference points back to Genesis 12:1-3, where God made profound promises to Abraham: to make him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” These promises—later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob—form the bedrock of the Gospel hope. The good news of salvation through Christ is the fulfillment of how **all nations** would be blessed through Abraham’s “seed.”
**The Gospel’s Personal Relevance: Good News for You Today**
How does this ancient message become “good news for you” today? The application is clearly outlined in Galatians 3.
* **Access through Faith in Christ:** Galatians 3:26 declares, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The promise made to Abraham is now extended to anyone with faith in Jesus.
* **The Role of Baptism:** Verse 27 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism is the God-appointed act of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection.
* **Unity and Inheritance:** Verses 28-29 reveal the glorious outcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through the Gospel, all barriers are removed; believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promises of the Kingdom.
This Gospel was once a mystery hidden in God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:3-9). Now, it has been revealed: the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering salvation to all who heed the call, believe the message, and are baptised into him.
**Conclusion: An Enduring and Open Invitation**
The Gospel is far more than a historical account; it is the living, powerful good news of God’s plan for salvation. It is rooted in promises to Abraham, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and open to all people without distinction. It offers a tangible hope—the hope of resurrection, peace, and an inheritance in the coming Kingdom of God. This is why the Gospel remains profoundly relevant. It is an invitation to listen, believe, and stand firm in this hope, linking our lives today to the eternal purpose of God.
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