Category: New Zealand Government

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Consumer information – Serene Heaters safety recall

Source: Consumer Affairs – New Zealand Government

This applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since June 2018.

More information about this recall and the retailers who are working with MBIE:

Serene S2068 Bathroom Heater. Originally published February 2024(external link) — Product Safety New Zealand

The hazard

Serene S2068 heaters have a manufacturing defect. There have been 17 reported fire events associated with these heaters.
There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed and property being damaged.

What are my rights around unsafe products?

The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) guarantees that products must be of acceptable quality, including safe to use. Where a product is unsafe – or doesn’t meet mandatory product safety requirements – you have the right to return it to the business who you purchased it from for a refund, repair, or replacement.

These rights apply regardless of whether the retailer has issued a voluntary recall.

More information about your rights under the CGA:

Consumer Guarantees Act

Check if this heater is in your home

The prohibited S2068 heater is described as:

  • Wall mounted fan heater with step-down thermostat with pull-cord on-off switch, for fixed-wired installation in bathrooms and similar locations
  • Mirror polished stainless steel metal shell with die cast grille OR White shell with die cast grille
  • Dimensions: 300 mm wide, 210 mm high and 110 mm deep.  

Serene S2068 Bathroom Heater. Originally published February 2024(external link) — Product Safety New Zealand

What you should do if you have a Serene bathroom heater in your home or rental property

Check to see if you have an affected heater with model number S2068. If you do, stop using it immediately.

Consumers can contact the business to return the goods under the Consumer Guarantees Act and ask the supplier they purchased it from for a safe replacement (if available) or a refund.

If the heater has been installed by fixed wiring, consumers can also require the supplier to arrange for its removal by an electrician.

If consumers can’t identify the supplier, they will have to arrange an electrician to remove this heater at their own cost.

If the heater is plugged into the wall, consumers can switch off the electricity, unplug, and remove the heater.

Please ensure that all units are safely disposed of so they cannot be reused or resold.

If you are a tenant of a rental property, discuss a course of action with your landlord.

Are there other Serene models affected?

Energy Safety have also issued notices on two other models.

  • They have prohibited sale, installation, and importation of Serene S207T wall mounted bathroom heaters. This prohibition applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since January 2018.
  • Serene S2069 wall mounted bathroom heaters imported, purchased, or installed after June 2018 have had their approval withdrawn. This confirms they cannot be legally sold in New Zealand.

Although Energy Safety have not declared these two models to be unsafe, they advise there is a low risk from continued use. If consumers observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over. You can also report the incident to WorkSafe for further investigation.

Notification of a non-workplace event(external link) — WorkSafe New Zealand

If you have a S2069 or S207T installed in your home and are concerned, you can also contact the supplier to seek a remedy under the CGA. Some suppliers have also undertaken a voluntary recall of these heaters. You can also find out more on the Product Safety New Zealand website:

Serene S207T Bathroom Heater(external link) — Product Safety New Zealand
Serene S2069 Bathroom Heater(external link) — Product Safety New Zealand

More help

We recommend that you first contact the business you purchased the heater from to agree a course of action and appropriate remedy.

If you have questions about your rights or need help to get a fair deal we suggest you contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or use this website to learn about your next steps to resolve your issue.

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Whaiora o Ngā Iwi Taketake

Source: New Zealand Governor General

E nga iwi o te motu e e huihui mai nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora mai tātou katoa

Thank you so much for inviting me to join you at the Whaiora o Nga Iwi Taketake gala dinner. This is something of a homecoming for me as I was present at the beginnings of Te Hononga o Tamaki me Hoturoa, and it was my great privilege to be able to return and celebrate what you have achieved at an event such as this.

In 2010, I wonder if any of us could have imagined that 14 years later, Te Hononga, a relatively small Māori health provider, would be hosting a fully subscribed conference – attended by political leaders, health practitioners, community workers, researchers, academics, students, policy makers, and guardians of traditional knowledge and practices.

In 2010, as now, we could see communities missing out on access to vital healthcare in the Auckland region. Te Hononga was determined to improve this situation and has set about doing just that.

Te Hononga has become an effective force for good in the Auckland region, with holistic programmes of care in schools and people’s homes. I appreciate what a difference it makes when whānau interact with health-workers who understand their needs – and have expertise and cultural competence to meet their expectations.

The impacts of that experience benefit every aspect of people’s lives.

He oranga ngakau, he pikinga waiora.

In early 2020, when COVID-19 arrived in New Zealand, Te Hononga staff found ways to pivot and maintain those vital relationships and their duty of care. Phone and Facetime replaced kanehi-to-kanehi.

We were fortunate to see such a great spirit of collaboration between health providers during this time – to provide testing for COVID, to drop off food supplies to whānau, and later to roll out vaccination programmes. Their manaakitanga and dedication helped keep whānau safe at an anxious time for all concerned.

This conference is confirmation, if any were needed, that addressing indigenous health requires a clear focus on results that address inequities in health provision, access, treatments and follow up and therefore make a difference to health outcomes.

Interestingly, such approaches often benefit not just indigenous peoples and their families and communities, but also others who access such services. They are not exclusive, but they are responsive and informed.

Having the guidance of our kuia and kaumatua, our energy and expertise of younger Māori who combine specific expertise and compassion for those who have experienced disproportionate access and treatment, does lead to overall improvements for all New Zealanders.

This is vital work, and the stakes are high. We all want our tamariki to live long and healthy lives, and we need to do the right thing by them – and by our kuia and kaumatua.

I don’t discount the challenges for Māori health providers – the underling factors beyond your control, and the constraints you work under.

I also imagine you know the satisfaction of changing whānau perceptions of what health-care means for them, of diagnosing previously overlooked conditions, and empowering clients to manage those conditions more effectively.

We can also be proud that this kaupapa is gathering momentum across Aotearoa, and inspiring other indigenous communities around the world.

The time you are spending together this week will further strengthen your networks, your practice and capacity to succeed in your work.

And as your Governor-General, I can tell you that much your kaupapa aligns with my own aspirations for the greater wellbeing of the people and natural world in Aotearoa.

During my term of office, two of my strategic priorities are oranga and mohio – and stem from my experience in health, academia, and my previous role as Chief Executive of the Royal Society – where I welcomed and encouraged an responsiveness to Māori amongst our research community.

In my current role I have had several opportunities to converse with His Majesty King Charles, and you will be pleased to know he has expressed a keen interest in learning about the contributions indigenous knowledge can make to our understanding of the wellbeing of people and our natural world.

Congratulations to the Board of Te Hononga, to Marion her team involved in making this week’s hui happen, and I hope it will be the first of many!

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6 May 2024 Innovative approach to supplying building materials gets underway A new building materials research programme is expected to increase productivity and reduce waste in construction.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Kicked off alongside materials suppliers and build partners, the trial involves Kāinga Ora directly purchasing and arranging the delivery of materials for a number of social housing developments.

This is expected to increase the amount of effective time on the tools, streamlining the workflow and allowing tradespeople to focus on the core mahi of building homes, says Matt Hulett, GM Delivery Transformation.

Kāinga Ora is trialling a mix of management and planning processes involved in materials supply. Each of these processes have been co-designed with programme partners Mitre 10 and Carters, along with TW Construction, Penny Homes, Kotahi Construction, Shaw Construction and Kahikatea Construction.

“This new way of working will be used in the delivery of more than 100 homes across 15 development sites in Rotorua over the next 18 months,” Matt says.

Ramping up delivery

In recent years, Kāinga Ora has significantly increased its capacity to deliver new state houses and to retrofit existing homes.

“To be able to scale up even more, we’ve gone through a process of improving how we work with the sector using our new Housing Delivery System,” he says.

“We’ve delved into the micro-processes that go into building a house. This includes itemising every bolt, nail and screw that goes into our standard house designs to enable more coordinated planning of logistics and workplans.

“Because we have that detailed visibility, we are now focussed on taking a more active role in materials supply.”

Right materials at the right time

“We are targeting a cost saving of more than 30% through the research programme. To achieve this, we need to do things differently.

A new materials research programme is expected to increase productivity and reduce costs.

“Kāinga Ora has contracted the five builders involved and their sub trades on a labour only basis.

“Build contracts that Kāinga Ora has typically used in the past have involved a fixed price for labour and materials and the builder has been responsible for getting materials where they need to be,” Matt says.

“Through the trial, we are aiming to ensure exactly the right materials are delivered to site when and where they’re needed. Therefore, the tradesperson won’t need to waste time waiting on a delivery, working around other tradespeople or driving to the store to buy a missing item.

“This means more time spent on the tools, essentially, speeding up delivery. We’ll be working closely with our partners to test and refine our processes as the research project progresses,” he says.

The first three home development recently got underway in Rotorua, alongside TW Construction and Mitre 10.

More information

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Graduation of the 2024 NZOC Wāhine Toa Leadership programme

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

I specifically acknowledge:

  • Nicki Nichol, CEO; and Liz Dawson, President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee
  • And of course the 2024 NZOC Wāhine Toa graduates

Tēnā koutou katoa.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Government House Auckland for the graduation of the 2024 New Zealand Olympic Committee Wāhine Toa programme.

I would like to begin by acknowledging another wāhine toa that the NZOC and I share as kuia: Ranui Ngarimu. I note she has recently completed a very special kākahu, Te Hono ki Matariki, joining Te Mahutonga, to be worn by our flagbearers at the upcoming Paris Olympics. I am very much looking forward to seeing these beautiful kākahu signalling the arrival of the New Zealand team at the Welcoming Ceremony on the banks of the Seine.

Historically, when women’s sport is given a supportive environment in which to thrive, it inevitably it does. In the United Kingdom during the First World War and into the 1920s, women’s football became the most-watched format of the game. At its peak, 53,000 people filled a stadium to watch a match between Dick, Kerr Ladies F.C. and St Helens Ladies in Liverpool.

Women’s baseball in the United States was also hugely successful during the Second World War with the creation of a dedicated league – and at the height of its popularity, it attracted 900,000 spectators a season.

Sadly, history shows us that this momentum was soon lost. Very soon after that record-breaking Dick, Kerr and St Helens game, the Football Association decided to ban women from playing on grounds they regulated – a decision that was emulated here in New Zealand, and one that lasted for fifty years.

Despite these backward steps, I am heartened to see that now, in Aotearoa, and indeed around the world, once again, we are entering a new and exciting chapter for women’s sport.

New Zealand has recently played host to three women’s world cups – cricket, rugby and football – with many matches breaking attendance records. In America, more people watched last month’s women’s NCAA basketball final between Iowa and Connecticut, than watched the men’s 2023 NBA Finals.

I appreciate there will be many contributing factors as to why women’s sport is returning to an equivalent level of success it once enjoyed over 100 years ago. However, I don’t believe it is a coincidence that at the same time, we are increasingly seeing women represented in sports governance, making decisions that affect the game from a grass-roots level, right to the very top.

Earlier this week, Dame Sarai Bareman – who was appointed the first-ever FIFA Chief of Women’s Football – was here to receive her Damehood, recognising her immense contributions to the game. Diana Puketapu-Lyndon and my predecessor, Dame Patsy Reddy, are serving as the first women Chairs of New Zealand Cricket and Rugby respectively.

To that end, I am proud to congratulate the graduates of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Wāhine Toa Programme, as you have chosen to continue your careers in sport by providing valuable perspectives, guidance, and leadership across your chosen fields.

New Zealand Olympians have always been outstanding models for inspiring others to strive towards Olympic greatness, and to have the chance to wear the silver fern with the pride it commands.

It takes both inspiration and years of tremendous effort, along with the support of family, friends, and coaches, to realise the Olympic dream. Throughout your careers in sports governance, I have no doubt you will help enable many future athletes by being outstanding leaders, advocates, and mentors.

Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua. Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead. I look forward to following your journeys, and I wish you all the very best.    

No reira, tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēna koutou katoa.

For more on this event, click here: 2024 Wahine Toa Graduation.

 

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Anzac Day National Service 2024

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rere ana nga roimata o Hine tērā te pae o Te Riri. Huihuia mai tātau katoa tēnei te pae o Maumahara. E nga iwi, kei aku rangatira wāhine ma, tāne mā tēnā tātau katoa.

I specifically acknowledge:

  • Taranaki Whānui
  • His Excellency Alfredo Rogerio Perez Bravo, Ambassador of the United Mexican States and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps
  • The Honourable Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance 
  • Members of the Diplomatic Corps 
  • The Honourable Peeni Henare, MP 
  • Members of Parliament 
  • Her Worship Tory Whanau, Mayor of Wellington 
  • Mrs Françoise Rossignol, Mayor of Dainville
  • Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force
  • General Angus Campbell, Chief of the Australian Defence Force
  • Major General Martyn Dunne, Board Chairman, Royal New Zealand Returned Services and Association 

I also acknowledge and welcome all veterans and service personnel, their families, friends and whānau. To those who are present in Wellington today, and to those watching from home – we remember and pay tribute to you and your service today.

 

Every year on the 25th of April, we take time to remember the actions and courage of our ANZACs at Gallipoli. 

 

With the passage of time, the focus of our remembrance on Anzac Day has broadened to recognise the service and sacrifice of all those who have served New Zealand in armed conflict and global peacekeeping efforts.

 

At the National Dawn Service, we reflected on a number of significant milestones in the Second World War, including the 80th anniversaries of the Battle of Cassino and of the Normandy D-Day landings.

 

We are fortunate to still have in our communities a few surviving veterans of this conflict, and I pay special tribute to them today. I also acknowledge the descendants of those who served or who were involved in the war effort at home and across the Pacific. 

 

The Second World War affected almost every household in New Zealand. Almost 12,000 New Zealanders lost their lives during the conflict – the highest percentage of population in the Commonwealth.

 

The New Zealand poet, Kevin Ireland, recalled his childhood impressions of the shadow cast by war on homes around the country:

 

‘I remember going into people’s houses where sons and brothers had been killed and it’s an aspect of the war that’s been forgotten largely, the gloom that’s cast throughout the house, the special kind of grief. Because there was no body; nothing to concentrate the grief on, it was a lost grief.’

 

In war zones around the world, too many families continue to experience the immediate horrors of war, and their futures will be marred by their lingering grief at the loss of their loved ones.

 

It is timely then to also reflect this Anzac Day on the important contribution of New Zealand troops and personnel to peacekeeping operations around the globe.

 

New Zealand has been involved in more than 40 peace operations in more than 25 countries over the past seven decades, under United Nations auspices or as part of coalitions.

 

2024 marks 70 years since New Zealand military personnel first contributed to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation, in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War – the United Nations’ oldest peacekeeping operation.

 

This year also marks 60 years since New Zealand Police joined a United Nations mission in Cyprus, the first overseas peacekeeping deployment for New Zealand police officers.

 

This week has seen the gathering of New Zealand and Australian Somalia veterans to mark the 30th anniversary of the completion of New Zealand Defence Force operations in Somalia. 

 

And it was 25 years ago this September that violence erupted in East Timor, now known as Timor-Leste. The unrest prompted an international outcry and a call from the United Nations for a multinational force to restore order and provide humanitarian assistance until a UN peacekeeping force could be organised. 

 

Our enduring Anzac partner, Australia, led INTERFET — the resulting International Force East Timor. More than 5,000 Australian defence personnel were involved. New Zealand was the second largest contributor, and by October 1999 more than 1,100 New Zealanders were in East Timor, making it our largest military deployment since the Korean War. 

 

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield described the positive impact of his Battalion’s efforts on the people affected, when he said:

 

‘I think our success is best measured by the condition of the East Timorese people, who at last see the prospect of peace and stability after so much suffering. Their smiles, their gratitude makes us feel really humble. They are now planting crops, putting up buildings, and occupying empty villages where previously they had been too scared to return to them … That’s how I measure the success of the Battalion’s efforts here over the last six months.’

 

This Anzac Day, as we reflect on our service personnel’s reputation for courage and steadfastness – a legacy forged at Gallipoli – let us also take pride in New Zealand’s continued willingness to do what is necessary for peace and international security. 

 

In doing so, we can collectively honour the legacy of our ANZACs and our nation’s shared commitment to peace.

 

Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.

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2 May 2024 Photography project at social housing complex brings neighbours together A photography project called “Who’s Who: Knowing your Neighbour” running at a social housing complex in Auckland’s CBD, Te Mātāwai, is proving a big success with the local community.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Te Mātāwai is the largest, single site supported social housing complex in Aotearoa New Zealand, with 276 homes and 24/7 on-site support services.

With the complex newly opened in August 2023, Dayne Smith, Kāinga Ora Community Development Manager, says the photography project is an initiative designed to help residents, staff, visitors, and neighbours get to know each other better through having their portrait taken.

One of our residents, Shadow, has been the driving force behind this idea. The concept has been brought to life through the support of Kāinga Ora, AUT arts lecturer Dieneke Jansen, and another creative resident, Te,” says Dayne.

“Te invites people inside to introduce themselves over a cup of tea and a bite to eat. The photographer, Shadow, takes their portrait with participants able to choose their favourite shot and how it will be displayed. Those keen on something more creative can even go for AI-generated backgrounds.”

With participants’ permission the selected portraits are displayed on the ground floor exterior windows at Te Mātāwai for the local community to view. “The portraits will be taken and displayed over a two-week period but we have plans to display them longer in a communal space inside the complex and share them in our community newsletter after that. Participants also get to keep a copy for themselves,” Dayne says.

Dayne says further initiatives are planned for the complex.

“We are always looking for ways to help Te Mātāwai become a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving community and invite anyone interested in working with our customers on creative projects or other ideas to get in touch.”

For more about Te Mātāwai(external link)

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2 May 2024 Statement from Chief Executive on proposed workforce changes Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie has released the following statement about proposed workforce changes at Kāinga Ora.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

When Kainga Ora was established in 2019, the breadth of work we were tasked to deliver expanded significantly and we had to increase our workforce.

We have performed our core functions while constantly evolving, and over the last 18 months we have been able to start reducing our internally focused change programmes and resources.

Kāinga Ora is now further responding to government direction to identify potential savings while maintaining the delivery of our core functions and services.

In November 2023 Kāinga Ora introduced recruitment restrictions for all roles that were not frontline or customer facing and removed 300 roles from budgets. We have not been replacing people as they have left, and we have not renewed fixed terms roles as they have ended.

The next phase of this work is focused on achieving further efficiencies by changing the approach we take and reducing the volume of work we undertake in some support (or back-office) functions. We are realigning, repositioning and reducing the size of those teams.

There will be job losses as a result of this work. We are very mindful of the impact this will have on our people so we’re taking a staged, considered approach that enables us to carefully support staff through the process.

We are currently consulting with staff in teams within the People Governance and Capability, Government and Sector Relationships, and National Services groups about change proposals that could result in a net reduction of 159 positions.

The exact number of positions that will be disestablished within the teams will not be finalised until we have completed consultation with affected staff.

Kāinga Ora will be offering voluntary redundancy to people in the affected teams.

Change proposals for some other teams within Kāinga Ora will be put out for consultation with affected staff in the coming months.

Depending on the outcome of the independent review into Kāinga Ora and the decisions the Government makes in this year’s Budget, additional changes to staffing levels could be required. Kāinga Ora is committed to making sure that staff are the first to learn of any changes that are proposed. 

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30 April 2024 Growing kai and communities Mum of two Sazshia, is now busy raising veggies alongside her children thanks to a partnership between Manawatū Food Action Network, UCOL and Kāinga Ora.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Planter boxes are built by students at UCOL in Palmerston North as part of their building and construction course, and delivered and installed by the Manawatū Food Action Network. To keep the vegetables and whānau thriving, the food action group also provides advice and guidance on caring for the plants.

Sazshia is one of 80 whānau in the Manawatū to receive a planter box through the initiative, which aims to improve wellbeing through kai security.

After receiving the planter box, Sazshia made a deal with her children to learn about gardening and grow their own kai.

“They wanted a pet, so I made them a deal: if they could grow and look after two tomato plants each, we would discuss getting one. Fortunately, they weren’t good plant parents, so we compromised by getting a fish,” Sazshia says.

“I love spending time with my kids in the garden and showing them where, how, and what type of kai we can grow and eat. We also explore their favourite vegetables, and I encourage them to try every veggie at least once because we’ve grown them in our own garden.”

From humble beginnings growing only tomatoes, Sazshia’s garden is now home to peppers, lettuces, cabbages, cauliflowers, capsicums, rosemary, chives, and lemon basil and she’s busy sharing her newfound knowledge with others. Through volunteering at several community organisations, including Just Zilch Food Rescue and Community Fruit Harvest Manawatū, Sazshia also supports other whānau who have received a planter box to grow kai and connect.

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Serbia

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

  • Reviewed: 26 April 2024, 10:22 NZST
  • Still current at: 26 April 2024

Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise normal safety and security precautions in Serbia (level 1of 4).

Serbia

Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur from time to time in Serbia, particularly in major towns and cities like Belgrade, and occasional unrest along the border with Kosovo remains possible. These can cause major traffic delays and disruptions to public transport.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. New Zealanders are also advised to maintain a high degree of personal security awareness and monitor local developments closely by following media sources, and any instructions from local authorities.

Terrorism
 Terrorist groups, individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, and some individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict continue to make threats to conduct attacks across Europe.

New Zealanders in Serbia are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions or advice issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places. 

Landmines
Unexploded land mines and munitions left over from the 1999 conflict remain along the border with Kosovo and in southern Serbia. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all off-road travel in these areas and stay on clearly marked paths.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching, passport theft and pickpocketing occurs in Serbia and is common in tourist areas, in larger cities and on public transport. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery.

General Travel Advice
The security situation along the Kosovo-Serbia border is unpredictable. Foreign nationals have been denied entry into Serbia if they have Republic of Kosovo stamps in their passports. Enhanced border controls are in place, and border crossings may be closed at short notice.

New Zealanders are advised to carry photo identification, or a photocopy of their passport, with them at all times and produce this if asked by authorities.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

We recommend you use ATMs that are located within bank branches, or within malls, during daylight hours. In addition, credit card fraud is common in Serbia. We recommend New Zealanders take extra care when using credit cards and ATMs.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Serbia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Serbia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy is accredited to Serbia

Street Address Via Clitunno, 44, 00198 Rome, Italy Telephone +39 06 853 7501 Fax +39 06 440 2984 Email rome@nzembassy.it Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/italy/new-zealand-embassy/#bookmark0 Hours Mon- Fri 0900 -1230 and 1330-1630 Note We encourage you to make an appointment to ensure prompt service.

See our regional advice for Europe

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Anzac Day Dawn Service 2024

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rere ana nga roimata o Hine tērā te pae o Te Riri. Huihuia mai tātau katoa tēnei te pae o Maumahara. E nga iwi, kei aku rangatira wāhine ma, tāne mā tēnā tātau katoa.

I specifically acknowledge: Taranaki Whānui; The Honourable Nicola Willis, Minister of the Crown; Their Excellencies, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye and High Commissioner of Australia; The Honourable Peeni Henare, MP; Her Worship Tory Whanau, Mayor of Wellington; Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force; General Angus Campbell, Chief of the Australian Defence Force; and Kevin Arlidge, President of the Wellington Returned and Services’ Association.

And as always, a most special welcome to our veterans and to their whānau – both those who are present and those watching from home.

109 years after the landing of the ANZACs at Gallipoli, Anzac Day still holds deep significance for New Zealanders, as we see from the many thousands gathered here to greet the dawn, in honour of the sacrifice of our forebears.

Though we no longer have direct links to those who witnessed the First World War, such was its impact that it will always remain part of our family histories and our collective memory.

Since our first Anzac Day on the 25th of April 1916, the scope of our remembrance has expanded to include all other wars and armed conflicts in which New Zealand has been involved, as well as our ongoing efforts in peacekeeping.

I would like to give a special greeting here to the New Zealand and Australian Somalia veterans who have gathered to mark the 30th anniversary of the completion of New Zealand Defence Force operations in Somalia. Around 250 New Zealand Defence Force personnel played a vital role in the UN mission to protect humanitarian aid and restore peace. 

This morning I also wish to honour veterans of the Second World War, whose numbers are sadly fewer with the passing of the years. 

There will still be people in our communities who remember the war effort at home, what it was like to be left behind by family members and friends who served, the loss of loved ones, or loved ones forever changed by their traumatic experience of service.

This year, we acknowledge the 80th anniversary of a number of significant campaigns during the Second World War. 

We remember the involvement of New Zealanders at the Battle of Cassino, one of the most brutal battles of the Second World War, as well as the New Zealand 2nd Division’s role in the capture of Faenza. We also remember the RNZAF operations in the Pacific, as well as the New Zealand 3rd Division’s involvement in operations against Japanese troops on Nissan Island, just north of Bougainville.

This year, we also acknowledge the many thousands of New Zealanders who served in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the Merchant Navy on D-Day – the 6th of June 1944 – and in the months that followed. 

By acknowledging these significant Second World War anniversaries, we honour the service, suffering, and sacrifice of our people in that momentous war.

Every New Zealand community has in some way been touched by our experience of war. More than 250,000 New Zealanders have served in war and peacekeeping operations – and of these, more than 30,000 have lost their lives, with many more wounded. On Anzac Day, we honour all who have served our nation, and all who have lost their lives as a result of their service.

We must also give special thought and thanks to the members of our New Zealand Defence Force who continue to serve with courage and professionalism in high-risk environments, both at home and overseas – and also to members of the New Zealand Police who serve in peace support roles.

On this Anzac Day, as we reflect on the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders across our military history, our thoughts and prayers are with the families around the world who continue to experience the horrors of war.

With our collective remembrance, and steadfast belief in our common humanity, we strengthen our hope and resolve to do what we can to foster dialogue and understanding, and to heal divisions in our pursuit of peace.

Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.