New Zealand marks Anzac Day at Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli
New Zealand and Australia commemorated Anzac Day with three services in the Anzac sector of the Gallipoli peninsula — a joint Dawn Service followed by the Australian service at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair.
The Official Party, led by the Right Honourable Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, placed roses at the New Zealand Memorial to the Missing. The party was then led to the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial where 380 New Zealanders were seated for the service. Many Australians also gathered to watch the ceremony as they made their way to Chunuk Bair to wait for their transport off the peninsula.
Her Excellency Wendy Hinton, New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, led attendees at Chunuk Bair in a minute’s silence for those killed and affected by the Christchurch terror attack which included two wounded Turkish nationals.
In his Commemorative Address, The Speaker noted that those gathered at Chunuk Bair had come together in the spirit of respect, peace and understanding. He also remembered all those that fought at Gallipoli — from whatever their country or creed — and the legacy they left behind as we face different challenges in the 21st century.
Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark, Chief of Air Force, and Ms Helene Quilter, Secretary of Defence, also delivered readings focusing on soldiers’ personal recollections and an account of the unveiling of the Chunuk Bair Battlefield Memorial in 1925.
Performances by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) band and Māori Cultural Group supported the official party’s speeches. Australian and Turkish military personnel also conducted ceremonial duties during the service.
The commemoration concluded with a poignant rendition of Pō Atarau (Now Is The Hour) and a passionate performance of the NZDF haka, He Taua, which resulted in a standing ovation from those gathered.
