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Event details

Tuesday 24 February 2026, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
Buckle Street
Te Aro
Wellington
New Zealand

Free

On Tuesday 24 February, tamariki and whānau are invited to come together for a Purple Poppy Day commemoration at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. The event will start at the fountain steps opposite Anzac Square at 5.15pm.

In the event of bad weather, please check this page and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park Facebook for updates.

Purple Poppy ceremony

At this special ceremony, hear stories remembering courageous service animals and meet Paradox the horse and Kingi the dog, who will join the event to represent the heroes in these stories. 

Guests are invited to lay a purple poppy at the Man and the Donkey Memorial or chalk paint a purple poppy and message of acknowledgement into the park.

About Purple Poppy Day

Purple Poppy Day honours the animals who served alongside people in times of war, companions whose loyalty and courage are woven into New Zealand’s military history.

War animals and the purple poppy (NZ History)