The remembrance bells at the National War Memorial, synonymous with Anzac Day, turn 80 years old on Wednesday when the nation pays tribute to fallen soldiers from world conflicts.
The carillon in Wellington is the third largest in the world and was first played in 1932.
It has 74 bells ranging in size from 10 kilograms to 12.5 tonnes and is played by a lone carillonist.
The Returned and Services Association says the remembrance bells are an essential part of the tribute to fallen soldiers.
RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke says the bells set the mood for Anzac Day.
Timothy Hurd, the fourth carillon player at the National War Memorial since 1932, says there are bells to remember specific occasions, such as the battle of Passchendaele.
