My Account
Communities throughout Mahurangi and south Kaipara came together in record numbers on Anzac Day to honour the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders in times of war and conflict.
It was noted that this year marked a number of noteworthy anniversaries across wars of the past century.
Sixty years ago, on Anzac Day 1963, New Zealand’s civilian surgical team arrived to assist casualties in the Vietnam War. They were the first New Zealanders to arrive and the last to leave.
July 27 will mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice in the Korean War – a conflict sometimes described as the ‘forgotten war’, despite the significant contribution New Zealanders made on Royal New Zealand navy frigates and in Kayforce, the last expeditionary force of its kind.
And, 80 years ago, New Zealanders took part in three key battles in the Pacific – at Guadalcanal, Vella Lavella and at Mono, in the Solomon Islands. They were among thousands of New Zealanders who served in the Pacific War.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the North Africa campaign – the longest and most important land campaign fought by New Zealanders in World War II. Three New Zealanders were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions in North Africa – Charles Upham, Keith Elliott and Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, the first Māori soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross while serving with New Zealand forces.
Warkworth photos, Anna Thoroughgood.
