National MP Chris Bishop says he is embarrassed after not showing up to an Anzac Day dawn service in his local electorate this morning where he was expected to lay a wreath.

Bishop, the MP for Hutt South, said his name was read out to lay a wreath at the Hutt dawn service despite him not being present.

“Had a few questions about this morning’s Hutt Dawn Service. My name was read out to lay a wreath and I wasn’t there. This is obviously pretty embarrassing and I am gutted,” Bishop wrote in a post on his Facebook page.

“I did not know the RSA were expecting me to lay a wreath and I wasn’t officially invited to do so. Obviously if I had known, I would have been there.

“It looks like there was a breakdown in communication between the RSA and my office and me.

“As always on Anzac Day I have attended and laid wreaths at the two Petone services, the Hutt Civic service at 945 and the Wainuiomata service. I will also be attending the Ataturk memorial service at Breaker Bay this afternoon on behalf of the government and laying a wreath.”

The Hutt Valley RSA has been contacted for comment.

Bishop was the first National MP to hold the Hutt South electorate seat.