Why Anzac Act is being updated
Old law deemed outdated, proposed changes include recognition of contemporary veterans.
Contemporary veterans will be officially recognised on Anzac Day, as part of a new amendment bill that has passed its first reading in Parliament.
The original legislation that commemorates Anzac Day was passed in 1920 and made April 25 a public holiday in New Zealand. The 1920 Act specified the day was in commemoration of the service taken by New Zealand troops in World War I and in memory of those who gave their lives to the British Empire.
After World War II, the Act was repealed and replaced with the Anzac Day Act 1949.
In 1966 the Act was again repealed and replaced with the current Act, which specifies the day is in commemoration of those who have taken part in WWI and WWII, the
South African war, the Korean war, the war in Malaya/Borneo, the war in Vietnam, and those who at any time have given their lives for New Zealand, the British Empire or the Commonwealth of Nations.
But the NZ Defence Force believes the Act is now out of date, according to a paper delivered to Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith’s office.
New Zealand has taken part in numerous conflicts since 1966 and Anzac Day, according to the Defence Force, has “pivoted to include a broader interpretation of those who the day is intended to recognise”.
The Defence Force, in advice to Minister for Veterans Chris Penk, said that Kiwis now used Anzac Day to recognise and honour other, more recent military service by a generation of post-Vietnam contemporary veterans, including those who are still alive, according to the paper.
New proposed changes would recognise contemporary veterans and make explicit reference to operational service in the Defence Force, not just those who served in specifically listed conflicts or those who died in service.
Policy officials suggested the idea of expanding the list, but acknowledged this was a temporary solution, as further conflicts may need to be added in the future.
A more general form of wording was a more fit-for-purpose approach and would allow more recent conflicts to be referred to collectively, the paper said.
“Anzac Day is a significant anniversary for New Zealanders, where we reflect on the costs of service and sacrifice. It is our opportunity to honour those who have served, some of whom gave their lives for our country,” Penk previously said.
“The Anzac Day Act enshrines in law that we will remember them. Yet, because it does not acknowledge conflicts after 1966, many New Zealanders who have served with great courage in the following decades remain unrecognised under current legislation.”
If the amendment bill passes, Anzac Day will officially commemorate all those who have served in New Zealand in wars and war-like situations, including those who have given non-military service such as the Home Guard and members of the Merchant Navy, Penk said.
Other troops who took part in the landing at Gallipoli, including those from India and France, would also be recognised. Presently, the Act only recognises those from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Public submissions on the amendment bill closed on May 22. The bill still needs to pass two readings in the House before becoming law.