Blair honours war dead

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair lays a wreath in Auckland today. Jeff Brass / Getty Images

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark today laid wreaths to commemorate the two countries' war dead.

At a solemn ceremony at the War Memorial Museum in Auckland, the two leaders were accompanied by their spouses and other dignatories.

Last night at a welcoming ceremony Mr Blair said that Britain had never forgotten the sacrifice that New Zealand soldiers made during the two world wars while outside protesters reminded him that they had not forgotten his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq.

After this morning's ceremony Mr Blair and Helen Clark met 10 war veterans, four Britons and six New Zealanders.

The men had served in Europe during World War 2, Malaysia and in Vietnam.

- NZPA