UPDATED 5.22PM: The Rebels Motorcycle Club has apologised for disrupting today's Dawn Service in Waiouru.

A grandmother who was at the service said members of the gang turned up to the service in the central North Island and revved their motorbikes while a bugler played the Last Post.

A written statement emailed late this afternoon said the club had the "upmost respect for our fallen heroes whom have given their lives for our freedom".

"We were passing through at the time of service; we stopped to pay our respects. Assuming the service was completed, we then continued on our journey. "Unfortunately, we misunderstood, causing disruption, this was not our intention. There are no excuses for the events that occurred; we can ensure you this will not happen again in the future.

"We deeply apologise for this, all hope that this apology is accepted."