A Turkish national has received a royal New Zealand honour for the first time, with a government official responsible for Gallipoli being made an honorary member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work supporting Anzac Day commemorations.
Ali Partal, the former deputy governor-general of Canakkale province, which includes Gallipoli, was invested with the award at a ceremony this morning in Canakkale.
Minister of Veterans' Affairs Nathan Guy said the award was due to the outstanding assistance Mr Partal provided New Zealand for Anzac Day commemorations from 2005 to 2011.
"I've heard only the highest praise for Mr Partal's efforts from both locals and New Zealand officials. His efforts have helped to make the Anzac Day services safe, dignified and reflective of the strong and close relationship between our two countries.
"The dedication and efforts of people like Mr Partal, and many others from New Zealand, Turkey and Australia, are critical to our annual Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli," Mr Guy said.
