New Zealand veterans want a dedicated Kiwi-only national day of remembrance alongside Anzac Day, and the government is actively considering the call.
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Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA) national president Sir Wayne Shelford says a second national day would honour the service of New Zealanders in more recent wars.
"Anzac was about the First World War and the Second World War and we don't talk about the other ones," Sir Wayne told Radio NZ.
"We want to have a day just to salute the veterans who have actually done military service over the last 50 odd years."
Sir Wayne, better known to Kiwis as "Buck" from his days as All Blacks captain, suggested Anzac Day did not adequately platform Kiwis who had fought in wars since 1945.
A specific date is yet to be landed on, but Sir Wayne said it did not need to come with a legislated day off for workers.
"We don't want a public holiday. We just want a day of recognition for our soldiers, sailors and airmen," he said.
"All the smaller wars like Malaya, Korea, Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan haven't really been recognised like the rest.
"We've had over 13,000 gone to operational areas over the last 30 years.
"Some have been killed and a lot of people have been maimed. A lot come back with PTSD ... we would love to have a day for them when they can march as well in different centres around New Zealand.
"We've spoken to the minister of defence and he says 'I don't see why not'."
"You have Daffodil Day and ... things like that. We're just trying to get a bit more recognition for those who are in operational services."
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he would be happy to have "close conversations" with the RSA for another day in the calendar to acknowledge service.
"Other countries have remembrance days or memorial days. I wouldn't rule out doing something like that in New Zealand in the future," he said.
The RSA are hoping for solid crowds at dawn services and commemorations on Tuesday around New Zealand.
As in Australia, New Zealand's Anzac Day services include those who have served in wars beyond World War I and World War II.
Mr Hipkins will start the day at a dawn service in Upper Hutt, in Wellington's North, before attending the National Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Defence Minister Andrew Little is in Turkey and will represent New Zealand at the dawn service in Gallipoli alongside Australian and Turkish delegations.
On Sunday, Mr Little was joined by a New Zealand Defence Force contingent, led by Defence Force Chief Air Marshal Kevin Short, and descendants of of the famed Maori Battalion that fought in the Gallipoli campaign.
A 477-strong Maori contingent of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force arrived at Gallipoli in July 1915, marking the first time a Maori unit fought outside New Zealand.
By the time of evacuation, just 60 remained, with the balance either killed or evacuated as battle casualties or due to illness.
A rededication ceremony was held at the site of the Maori camp, with those present singing the same songs and hymns prior to battle 108 years ago, concluding with a haka that rang out across the landscape.
Australian Associated Press
