NZ allocated passes for 100th Gallipoli Anzac services

APNZ

13 May, 2013 01:47 AM2 mins to read

Part of the NZDF Contingent Support to Anzac Day Commemorations in Turkey. Photo / Judith Watts

The Government says up to 2000 places will be open to New Zealanders to attend Anzac Day at Gallipoli for the 100th anniversary in 2015.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse said a total of 10,500 passes would be available for the commemorations, with 2000 allocated to New Zealand, 8000 to Australia and 500 for official representatives from Turkey and other countries.

"The Gallipoli campaign played a significant part in the evolution of our nationhood, and Anzac Day holds a special place in New Zealanders' hearts," he said.

"The annual commemorations at Gallipoli attract a broad spectrum of New Zealanders and it's important that we uphold this tradition in 2015."

The ballot will open on November 1 this year, with results announced in April next year.

While passes would be free, those New Zealanders who were successful in the ballot will need to make their own travel arrangements and meet all their own costs, Mr Woodhouse said.

The Returned Services Association said the Government's decision on the ballot had met what the organisation called for in its submission.

"It is appropriate that the descendants of those who served there are given an allocation of 200 places in the ballot," national president Don McIver said.

"Equally, today's veterans deserve the special recognition of their contribution to our military heritage alongside their Gallipoli forbears in serving the nation in conflict overseas."

New Zealand's passes will be allocated as follows:

* 75 per cent (750 double passes/1500 places in total) by ballot for all New Zealanders (including descendants and veterans who were unsuccessful in their specific ballot).

* 10 per cent (100 double passes/200 places in total) by ballot for direct descendants of Gallipoli veterans.