PQ 10. Anzac Day Centenary—Commemorations at Gallipoli

[Sitting date: 26 November 2014. Volume:702;Page:9. Text is subject to correction.]

10. Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs : What progress is being made in preparation for Gallipoli 2015 commemorations?

Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister of Veterans' Affairs): Good progress has been made on the 100th anniversary Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli next year. After the first tranche of the ballot, 632 double passes were accepted. The second tranche of the Gallipoli 2015 ballot is now under way, with just over 300 double passes to next year’s Anzac Day commemorations being reallocated this month. Australian and New Zealand officials are in constant communication with each other about preparations for the event. Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with trans-Tasman officials taking part in the Gallipoli bilateral meeting, and I recently discussed the preparations during a bilateral meeting with the Turkish foreign Minister. I am very encouraged to see that all effort is being made to ensure that this will be a fitting reflection of the huge sacrifice made nearly a century ago.

Dr Shane Reti : How long do applicants have to accept the tickets they were offered in the second tranche of the ballot?

Hon CRAIG FOSS : New offers of tickets were made to the next group on the waiting list earlier this month. Those people allocated passes have until 7 December to complete their details—[Interruption] You might want to show some respect for this topic, members opposite. Those people allocated passes have until 7 December to complete their details and details of their accompanying persons. It is essential that those who have been offered passes in the second tranche of the ballot act quickly and make arrangements if they want to be part of what will be a significant commemoration to honour New Zealanders who took part in the Gallipoli campaign.

ENDS

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