Gallipoli ballot thrill for Kiwi couple living in Singapore

Now a human resources consultant, Sally Doherty, leftt, said her time in the defence forces was a huge part of her life.

A Singapore-based Kiwi couple with ties to the military were among 950 New Zealanders selected from a ballot to attend the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing in Gallipoli next year.

Ex-NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force officer Sally Doherty and her partner Brendan Bain were humbled to be told yesterday they will attend the historic event in Turkey.

Ms Doherty, originally from Palmerston North, said the couple - who moved to Singapore three years ago - entered the ballot as soon as it was announced last year.

"It is a place I haven't been to but that is incredibly important to me in terms of the history of our country," she said.

Now a human resources consultant, Ms Doherty said her time in the defence forces was a huge part of her life.

"Most of my friends are from those days and it is something that is very important to me. It is hard to put into words but when you're in the military there's a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that you have and the whole experience of going to Gallipoli and having been part of that, it's incredible."

A total of 9,851 applicants entered the ballot to attend the commemoration service, but just 2,000 places were reserved for New Zealanders. Of that, 950 double passes have been allocated from the ballot and 100 special passes have been held back to be issued to special representatives at a later date.

Those who wish to find their position on the wait list should email info@gallipoli2015.govt.nz.

The call centre can be contacted within New Zealand on (04) 801 0162.