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War and remembrance activities
War has played a defining role in shaping our nation since we first sent troops overseas to South Africa in 1899. As the centenary of the the First World War (2014-18) approaches, many New Zealanders will reflect on our nation's experiences of war and the impact of conflict on our society.
Avatele war memorial on Anzac Day, 2001
Avatele war memorial in Niue, Anzac Day, 2001
Cook Islands Anzac Day stamps
Set of commemorative Anzac Day stamps issued by the Cook Islands government
Cook Islands Anzac Day parade, 1970s
Returned servicemen marching during an Anzac Day parade in Rarotonga, early 1970s
The King's Anzac Day message, 1948
King George VI's Anzac Day message, 1948
Anzac Day service in Rarotonga, 2009
Rarotongan returned servicemen and community groups march from the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) to the Soldiers’ Memorial in Avarua, 2009
Further information - Anzac Day in the Pacific
Books and further reading relating to the history of Anzac Day in the Pacific Islands of Niue and the Cook Islands
Present day commemorations - Cook Islands and Niue
In the new millennium there has been increasing interest in the story of Pacific Island involvement in the First World War. In the Cook Islands there have been efforts to rebuild memorials and honour boards, while in Niue the local RSA has spearheaded a resurgence in interest in the country's military history
The growth of Anzac Day - Cook Islands and Niue
By the end of the Second World War military commemorations in the Cook Islands and Niue centered around Anzac Day. Services in both countries followed the pattern of those in New Zealand, with minor changes to fit local conditions
Early commemorative efforts - Cook Islands and Niue
During the 1920s war memorials provided a focus for commemoration services in the Cook Islands, where the first Anzac Day service was possibly held in 1927. On Niue, Armistice celebrations focused on villages planting ‘peace groves’ of coconuts and it was not until after the Second World War that a remembrance service on Anzac Day was established
Anzac Day in the Pacific
Armistice Day was the initial focal point for commemorations in the Cook Islands and Niue after the First World War. But because men from both countries had served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, observances gradually shifted to Anzac Day in April
1921 - key events
A selection of key New Zealand events from 1921
Anzac Day Gazette notice, 1916
This is the notice in the New Zealand Gazette that declared Anzac Day a half-holiday.
The red poppy
The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. In many countries it  is worn around Armistice Day (11 November), but in New Zealand it is most commonly seen around Anzac Day, 25 April.
Modern Anzac Day
Each generation of New Zealanders redefines Anzac Day to suit the mood of the times, but the last 40 years have been a time of much redefinition.
Remembering Gallipoli, 1916
New Zealand soldiers at Sling Camp, England, created this cover for a publication in 1916.
Anzac Day quiz
A ten question quiz about Anzac Day
Another war and peace - Anzac Day
Anzac Day came to have a wider focus and the commemorations became more popular in the years after the Second World War.
A sacred holiday - Anzac Day
Anzac Day became a public holiday and took on new meaning in a time of peace. It became a time to express sorrow, not glorify war, and was a sacred day that had a secular tone.
The making of Anzac Day
Anzac Day was made a half-day holiday in 1916, and the pattern of the day's events that occur now began at that time.

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