NZ role at Gallipoli 'forgotten'

Australians are ignoring the "NZ" in Anzac, say social historians who are calling for more recognition of New Zealand's contribution at Gallipoli.

Top New Zealand academics have claimed that while their Anzac Day celebrates the transtasman teamwork after the landing at Anzac Cove in 1915, Australia's too often does not.

"Anzac in Australia is commonly AAC without the NZ," said Professor Philippa Mein Smith, director of a specialist transtasman research centre at Canterbury University. "We're often not mentioned in ceremonies and indeed many Australians sadly seem to have no idea we were there at all."

New Zealand is sensitive to Anzac exclusions and was upset by the barring of Kiwi expatriates at last year's unveiling of a bronze New Zealand soldier on Sydney's Anzac bridge.

Professor Mein Smith said New Zealand's contribution was probably poorly acknowledged, not only because of its small size but because the Kiwis landed at Anzac Cove three hours after the Australians.

Being more inclusive of New Zealand would make the Anzac story "all the more interesting, significant and relevant" for nationals, the academic said.

University of Queensland history lecturer Martin Crotty said Australia's Anzac story had come to represent fundamental concepts like the birth of the nation and mateship.

"It's a genesis story. It's not surprising that New Zealand has been squeezed out the picture."

Dr Crotty, a New Zealander who lectures Australian students, tells a story of one student who "thumped the table after I'd given a seminar and complained at having a New Zealander come and tell us about Anzac. He was genuinely shocked when I told him what the N and the Z stood for."

Dr Crotty said Australians had a very "parochial" view of World War I.

However, the New Zealand Returned and Services Association took a softer approach.

"I've heard it mentioned that the New Zealand flag is not prominent enough, or whatever," said national president Robin Klitscher.

"But at the end of the day we were there for each other in wartime and
the bond is still as strong as it ever was."

- AAP

The Auckland War Memorial Museum's offical Book of Remembrance can be read online. It alllows people to send their messages and memories of loved ones who have served in past wars or to people currently serving in the armed forces. You can also leave messages of remembrance at nzherald.co.nz.