HMNZS Otago executive officer Lieutenant Nathan Vink (RNZN) addresses a crowd of thousands during the inaugural Wanaka Anzac Day dawn service on the lakefront. PHOTOS: LUCY IBBOTSON : Diverse groups came together

Bugler Hamish McLean (15) during the inaugural Wanaka Anzac Day dawn service. : Diverse groups came together

A 1915 Rover Sunbeam World War 1 ambulance from Wanaka's National Transport and Toy Museum leads the official Anzac Day parade up Ardmore St. : Diverse groups came together

Wanaka man Major Ian Piercy, 2/4 Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, salutes at the wreath-laying ceremony. : Diverse groups came together

Queenstown Lakes district councillor Calum MacLeod (left) and Wanaka Community Board member Ross McRobie carry their wreath. : Diverse groups came together

Tina Simmonds and Fletcher Davison (7), representing St John Wanaka. : Diverse groups came together

Rose Deacon and Alex Graham (both 10), from the Wanaka Cubs. : Diverse groups came together

Nick (15) and Liam (10) Bates, wear the medals of their late father, Wanaka volunteer firefighter Warren Bates, while accompanied by Mr Bates' fellow brigade members Bruno Galloway (left) and Ralph Fegan. : Diverse groups came together