ANZAC Day 2026: Māori, Pacific service and sacrifice take centre stage in NZ

ANZAC Day commemorations across Aotearoa New Zealand this year are shining a stronger light on the Pacific men and women who have served, sacrificed, and continue to serve today alongside Māori whose contributions have long been central to the nation's history.

ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, formed during the First World War and now used to honour all those who have served and sacrificed in the armed forces of both countries.

On 25 April, from early-morning dawn services to community gatherings later in the day, Māori and Pasifika families have come together in Aotearoa and abroad to remember loved ones who served in wars from Gallipoli to the Pacific and in conflicts since.

For many in Aotearoa and Australia, the day is not just about history. It is about family, identity and a legacy that continues through new generations now wearing the uniform.

This year’s commemorations carry added weight. It marks 80 years since ANZAC Day in 1946 - the first time the day was observed after the end of the Second World War.

It is also the first ANZAC Day since the passing of the Anzac Day Amendment Act 2026, reflecting how remembrance continues to evolve.

Māori and Pacific families gather at dawn in Aotearoa to honour generations of service, as ANZAC Day 2026 brings renewed focus to Pasifika sacrifice and legacy. Photo/Auckland RSA

Across Aotearoa, there is growing recognition of the role Pacific people have long played in that history.

Men from Sāmoa (including service under New Zealand administration), Tonga, Fiji (especially significant contribution), Niue, and the Cook Islands served alongside New Zealand and Australian forces, often far from home.

Also important to acknowledge and often missed are the men and women from Tokelau (small population but contributions through NZ links), Papua New Guinea (especially important in WWII - Kokoda Track, carrier roles, labour corps), Solomon Islands (key WWII theatre, local scouts and coastwatchers supported Allied forces) and Vanuatu then New Hebrides (strategic Allied base, local involvement in support roles).

From Sāmoa to the Cook Islands, Tonga to Fiji, Pacific communities across Aotearoa stand together to remember those who served, and those who never came home. Photo/Auckland RSA

Today, their descendants continue that tradition in defence forces across the region.

While local communities gathered to reflect, commemorations were also taking place around the world.

The Chief of Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, attended services in Gallipoli, Türkiye, marking the site where ANZAC troops first landed in 1915.

Watch as members of the NZDF perform a haka at the Māori Pah site in Gallipoli to honour Captain Pirimi Tahiwi, who, in August 1915, led his Company in the 'Ka Mate' as they set about clearing Ottoman trenches during the Battle of Chunuk Bair.

He said that in a time of global uncertainty, the meaning of the day remains as strong as ever.

“Perhaps more than ever before, this Anzac Day is a stark reminder of the sacrifice our service people have made for our country,” Johnston said.

“When the Anzacs stepped onto the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915, they did so embodying the same values that Australians pride themselves on today.

“Every day they continue to follow in those same footsteps laid out by the troops in World War I, drawing from their service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.”

ANZAC Day is marked across the world, as service personnel past and present are honoured for their sacrifice and commitment. Photo/NZDF

As of 21 April 2026, around 1250 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are deployed on operations across Australia, the Indo-Pacific, and other parts of the world.

At the same time, several hundred New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel are deployed across the Indo-Pacific and other regions on operational service.

Back home, that same spirit of service is reflected in the diversity of those standing in uniform today.

For Pacific communities in Aotearoa, ANZAC Day is a time to remember those who came before, honour those who serve now, and ensure their stories are seen and heard.

Aircraft fly overhead in a ceremonial ANZAC Day flypast, a tribute to those who have served and sacrificed, and to those continuing that legacy today. Photo/NZ Warbirds Association Inc

In this milestone year, the message from many is simple: the ANZAC story belongs to all who have carried it and it is still being written.

Support is always available through the following services:

• Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036

• Defence Member and Family Helpline - 1800 624 608

• Defence Chaplaincy services (on-call 24/7) - 1300 333 362

• Defence Employee Assistance Programme - 1300 687 327 1800

• IMSICK - 1800 467 425

• ADF Mental Health Services accessed through Garrison Health centres

• Open Arms - 1800 011 046

• Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO) - 1800 SEMPRO (1800 736 776).