Governor-General to visit National War Memorial Park ahead of Anzac Day

The Governor-General, Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, is to visit the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) on Tuesday 15 April. The Park is currently under construction on Buckle Street in Wellington, and will be completed in April 2015.

Due to the ongoing work, this year the Anzac Day National Commemorative Service will take place on the Parliamentary Forecourt, Molesworth Street, Wellington onFriday 25 April. The Governor-General will be attending Anzac Day services in Turkey.

Anzac Day 2015 will mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings and both the Dawn Service and the National Commemorative Service will take place at the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu).

The National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) will commemorate more than 300,000 New Zealanders who have served their country and the 30,000 who have died. The Park is being created as the cornerstone project for the Government’s First World War centenary programme, WW100.

WW100 is New Zealand’s way of marking the centenary of the First World War. Beginning in August this year, there will be a diverse range of official and community projects and activities that will run throughout the centenary period for the next four years. The Governor-General is the patron of the First World War Centenary Panel.

Work commenced on the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) site in October 2012. The Park and underpass is being built by the Memorial Park Alliance, a joint venture which comprises the New Zealand Transport Agency and a range of contractors. Partners with the Alliance are the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Wellington City Council.

There will be a presence at the National War Memorial this Anzac Day. The New Zealand Defence Force will mount a vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from06:15-17:00. A bugler will play at the mounting of the vigil and the Last Post will be played at its conclusion. The sentry will change out regularly throughout the day.

On Anzac Day we remember and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all New Zealanders who have served in military conflicts.

ENDS

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