This page includes information and resources that may be useful for those organising Anzac Day commemorations. On the right you will find links to an information handout that could be printed out and made available to the audience, and links to transcripts of speeches from earlier Anzac Days.
Messages from the Prime Minister and the Governor-General
Some organisers of Anzac Day events have indicated that they would like to read out a message from the Prime Minister or the Governor-General.
Prime Minister's 2008 Anzac Day message
Anzac Day is an opportunity for New Zealanders to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for our country.
The casualty figures remind us of the extent of their sacrifice. Of the approximately 102,000 New Zealanders who served in the First World War (approximately 10% of the population), 16,300 were killed in active service in the war. Over 40,000 more were wounded, and some of these died after the war as a result of their wounds. New Zealand had one of the highest per capita casualty rates in the war.
These first Anzacs were mostly civilians, representing all classes and occupations in New Zealand society. The social impact of the casualties was devastating. Every family, every street, every community was affected by the loss or maiming of so many of our young men.
The carnage at Gallipoli and the Western Front dashed the aspirations of families and cut young lives short. These young men lost their chance to live out their lives as we do, to explore individual potential, to build a career, to contribute to a community and to be part of a family.
Although fewer New Zealanders were killed in the Second World War (11,625) these casualties represented a further blow to families and communities around the country.
On Anzac Day we honour these men and New Zealand service personnel who have been killed or wounded in other theatres of war around the globe.
Generations of New Zealanders have grown up without the privations and horrors of war. For this we must be grateful.
Our armed services continue to work in unpredictable and dangerous environments overseas. We are proud that they can play a role in maintaining peace; their work enables others to live their daily lives in greater security. We honour the work they are doing, and wish them all safe return.
Helen Clark
Prime Minister
Governor-General's 2008 Anzac Day message
Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni.
Throughout New Zealand, communities gather today to remember their war dead, and to honour the service of those who survived. This desire to remember the service of our forebears is heartfelt. Despite the passage of time, every year more New Zealanders choose to attend Anzac Day ceremonies and services.
Overseas, wherever New Zealanders may be, they will think of the significance of this important day in the national calendar. Some will attend a ceremony at the New Zealand memorial in London, while others will make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli, where 2700 New Zealanders died, or to the battlefields of the Western Front, where 12,500 died in the First World War.
On Anzac Day, we also remember the servicemen who fought in other theatres of war, in the Pacific, Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Atlantic Ocean.
Anzac Day is not about glorifying war; it is about honouring the ordinary people who were asked to do extraordinary things for their country, and did so willingly and at considerable personal cost.
On Anzac Day it is important to remember the veterans still among us, and to ensure that they are accorded the respect they deserve. This extends to care of those who have remained casualties of war; unable to return to the life they had before.
We must sincerely hope that our young people will never again be called to leave their families and friends to fight in foreign soils. We owe it to those who have died in the service of their country to ensure that our armed services continue to work in the pursuit of peace.
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.
Hon
Anand Satyanand, PCNZM, QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand
Other information
See also the Typical Order of Ceremony and Traditions & Rituals sections of this site.
It is intended that this section of the site will be regularly updated, so that new material is available each year to those organising Anzac Day events. We would be interested to know if you have ideas about other information we could usefully include here - please email us at: webmaster@mch.govt.nz
