There's a backlash brewing after the decision to drastically slash the number of Anzac Day services in Auckland.
The country remains under a "high" terrorist threat following the attacks in Christchurch on March 15, so police made the call to reduce the number of Anzac services this year.
People are encouraged to attend larger services instead so police are able to manage having a presence there.
In 2018 there were almost 90 services, this year there’ll be less than 30.
The number of services dropped from about 90 last year to 26 this year because of security fears. Just 10 will be dawn services.
But Auckland RSA president Graham Gibson said it had to be done.
"I've taken threats and all that, but at the end of the day the presidents and myself are happy. Hand over heart, we're happy," he told 1 NEWS. "It was a hard decision, but it was the right decision. We want our young ones to be safe."
The Auckland cenotaph is one of just 10 Auckland centres where there'll still be a dawn service this Anzac Day.
For some, the news isn't going down well. Mr Gibson said he has been called a coward and a disgrace by some members of the public.
"I'm not worried about that," he said. "I can understand that people are disappointed and emotional and all that. I get it, I get it, but sometimes you've got to make the hard call.
"Paramount to the whole thing was our fellow citizens' safety."
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