Parliament Modernises Anzac Day Law to Honour All Who Served

Parliament has passed landmark legislation updating the Anzac Day Act to formally recognise all those who have served New Zealand in times of war, ensuring future commemorations reflect the full breadth of sacrifice made in the nation's name.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith said the reform corrects long-standing gaps in the law and brings official recognition in line with modern public sentiment.

"Honouring our service personnel on Anzac Day is one of our most enduring national traditions," Mr Goldsmith said.

"It binds us to our history and to the story of who we are as a country, while providing an opportunity to reflect on the courage and extraordinary sacrifice of those who have served to defend and protect New Zealand and our allies."

Updating a Law That Had Fallen Behind

The previous Anzac Day Act had not been comprehensively updated since 1966, meaning service in conflicts and operations after that date was not formally recognised in legislation governing national commemorations.

"However, the Anzac Day Act was in desperate need of updating. It failed to acknowledge conflicts after 1966, meaning many service personnel were excluded from official commemorations under the law," Mr Goldsmith said.

"The modernised law more accurately reflects public sentiment about who we honour on Anzac Day."

The changes ensure that all New Zealanders who have served in times of war — including in modern deployments — are formally acknowledged in the nation's principal day of remembrance.

Recognising Modern Service and Wider Sacrifice

Veterans Minister Chris Penk said Anzac Day has increasingly become a day of remembrance not only for those who served in the two World Wars, but also for those involved in later conflicts and warlike operations.

"Increasingly, New Zealanders are using the occasion of Anzac Day to reflect on the loss of loved ones in war and in warlike situations, including United Nations missions, other multi-force groupings, and service alongside allied forces," Mr Penk said.

The updated Act also recognises:

• Civilians who served in medical units during wartime

• Members of the Merchant Navy during the two World Wars

• Personnel who died while training for conflict

• Members of allied forces who participated in the first landing at Gallipoli, including personnel from France and India

Changes in Effect Before Anzac Day 2026

The legislation will take effect before Anzac Day 2026, making next year's commemorations the first under the updated law.

"These changes are well overdue, and come into effect before Anzac Day 2026, meaning that this year will be the first time our national commemoration formally recognises all those who have served New Zealand in times of war," Mr Penk said.

"We will remember them."

Strengthening a Core National Tradition

Mr Goldsmith said the reform reinforces the integrity and relevance of Anzac Day as one of New Zealand's most significant national observances.

"Preserving the memory of those who fought to defend our country, and of those who served in other vital roles during times of war, is a critical part of safeguarding New Zealand's history and national identity," he said.

The updated Act marks a significant shift toward inclusive recognition, ensuring that Anzac Day reflects the evolving nature of New Zealand's military and civilian service over more than a century.