The decision, which also included postponing the National Poppy Day Appeal, was made by the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA) yesterday.
The decision means it will be the first time Anzac Day services have been cancelled since they were started in 1916.
It is the first time Poppy Day has been postponed since 1922.
Dunedin RSA president Lox Kellas said it was discussing alternative ways for the community to commemorate, which would be confirmed at a meeting next week.
He also encouraged members of the public to pay respects in their own way, including posy-laying on their own.
Dunedin’s service would usually attract upwards of 5000 people.
Mr Kellas said while it was "unfortunate", the RSA and Otago communities would need to be resilient.
"Our whole lifestyle has just been thrown into disarray ... but as they say ... keep calm and carry on.
"That is all you can do," he said.
Members of the public in Upper Clutha were also being welcomed to observe the day in their own way, following the cancellation of their local memorial serve.
Chairman of the committee that organises Wanaka services, Major Ian Piercy said he was likely to be in uniform at the usual time of the dawn service, but at home rather than at the lake.
It was important to "make the best of it", he said.
"It would be really irresponsible of us to get together under the circumstances.
"It is a one-man party and you really show your respects in your own way.
"It is completely down to the individual."
RSA national president B.J. Clark said "service, sacrifice and support" would need to come to the fore.
But the postponement of its "major" annual fundraiser would have significant financial impact and affect the RSA’s ability to support service personnel.
“There is little public awareness around the scope and nature of the very real struggles they face, both mental and physical injuries directly linked to their service," he said.
Service personal were "extremely" vulnerable and would require a more professional level or care and support.
An alternative date for Poppy Day would be arranged, when possible, to support New Zealanders who have served their country.
