Anzac Day 2025 Official Messages

The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon Prime Minister of New Zealand

Kia ora koutou

Born in the aftermath of Gallipoli, Anzac Day has only grown in relevance over the years. It is a time to reflect on all conflicts in which New Zealanders have served, their impact on service personnel, families and communities, and their enduring legacy for the world we know today.

Many New Zealanders will have seen first-hand the effects of conflict on friends and family members who have returned from service. Anzac Day is a reminder of the respect we owe our war veterans, who left their homes and their loved ones to risk their lives in the danger zones of the world.

This year, I want to give special acknowledgement to the remaining veterans of the Second World War. Much attention worldwide will soon be on the 80th anniversaries of the end of that devastating conflict, and on the gruelling campaigns in which many New Zealanders took part, such as the air war over Europe, the Battle of the Atlantic, the Italian campaign, and the war against Japan in Asia and the Pacific. The stories of New Zealanders’ Second World War service will be passed on through the generations, and will not be forgotten.

As nations join in commemoration, we are reminded too of the importance of our international connections and our nation’s history of commitment to the pursuit of global stability. As Prime Minister I take pride in all New Zealanders who have served their country, including the current members of our New Zealand Defence Force. I am committed to the role the New Zealand Government can play as a constructive voice in global affairs.

On Anzac Day, with our everyday routines suspended, many of us have the opportunity to attend commemorative events or spend time with our families, friends and communities. Shared remembrance brings us together in peace and unity – values as significant today as at any time in our history.

Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO Governor-General of New Zealand

Kia ora koutou

Every year, as autumn closes in and the nights grow longer, Anzac Day calls us once again to remember the New Zealanders who have served in war and conflict. On this sacred day, we honour those taken from us and reflect on the suffering of families, friends and communities.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Over the six years of this terrible conflict, around 140,000 New Zealanders served overseas in the New Zealand Army, the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal Navy, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Air Force, and the Merchant Navy. Others contributed on the home front, in essential industries and on farms that provided vital food supplies to Britain and Allied armies. Of those who served, almost 12,000 lost their lives.

I hope New Zealanders will join me in giving thanks to our most precious veterans of the Second World War, for the part each played in the eventual Allied victory. Let us acknowledge, too, the families of the fallen, those who settled in New Zealand as Second World War refugees, and all who still bear the scars of one of the darkest episodes in history.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, and the 60th anniversary of the deployment of 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery to Vietnam. Anzac Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders in these subsequent conflicts, and in all conflict to the present day. As Commander-in-Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force I am proud of the commitment and professionalism of our service personnel, contributing to stability and supporting the wellbeing of communities around the world.

New Zealanders who remember the Second World War, and those who grew up in its shadow, know the suffering division can cause. As we witness concerning events across the globe, it is incumbent on all of us to remember the lessons of the past. Let Anzac Day forever be a reminder of our duty to uphold the values of those who have served our nation in the protection of peace and democracy.