Air New Zealand has introduced a novel way to celebrate the nationally significant ANZAC War Memorial Day for both New Zealand and Australia. Observed on April 25th, a solemn national day of remembrance marks the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landing, honouring the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) soldiers in World War I. This year, Air New Zealand operated a flight to remember, carrying stories of military service across the Tasman Sea to Australia.
In partnership with the Auckland War Memorial Museum, every seat on flight NZ101, a dawn flight from Auckland to Sydney, honoured a serviceperson, as an act of remembrance on a day of national reflection.
Before the flight departed, Petty Officer Musician Colin Clark of the Royal New Zealand Navy band played the Last Post at the boarding gate.
On board, customers received a commemorative in-flight magazine placed on each seat, sharing the story of a New Zealander who served, past and present. The stories were drawn from the Museum’s Online Cenotaph, which records New Zealand military service over the past 127 years, across a range of conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The stories included personnel from the New Zealand Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Navy, as well as New Zealanders who served with Australian Forces and other allied nations
ANZAC stories to remember
Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Kiri Hannifin says the flight gave those travelling to Sydney from Auckland a chance to reflect on Anzac service history.
“Today’s flight is very special. These are important stories we’re carrying that have helped shape our country and our history. Anzac Day is one of Aotearoa’s most unifying national moments. Many of us have relatives who have served, and to partner with the Auckland War Memorial Museum to bring these stories to the skies on a day of national remembrance was very special.
“We hope that through this flight, veterans and their families feel their histories are valued, and that passengers took a moment to reflect on the individual stories shared on board.”
- ANZAC Day Down Under: A flight to remember – Image: Air New Zealand
One of the stories included on the flight was shared by Staff Sergeant Tina Grant, wife of the late Corporal Douglas “Duggy” Grant of the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS).
Corporal Grant was mortally wounded while attempting to rescue civilians in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2011, the first member of NZSAS to die in Afghanistan, and New Zealand’s third fatality there. His death marked a significant moment in New Zealand’s involvement in Afghanistan and was deeply felt within the Defence Force and the wider community.
Since then, Tina Grant has advocated for improved long-term support for bereaved families of New Zealand Army personnel and helped establish the New Zealand Families of the Fallen Charitable Trust.
ANZAC cenotaph online
Auckland War Memorial Museum Chief Executive, David Reeves, who has been instrumental in the development of Online Cenotaph, says the flight added to what is an important day for New Zealanders.
“Through Online Cenotaph, we have worked over many years to broaden how Anzac Day is understood, by sharing records and stories from more than 40 conflicts in which New Zealanders have served. Seeing these stories acknowledged by Air New Zealand brings that work to a wider audience.
“The profiles shared on this flight will be added to Online Cenotaph, becoming part of the ongoing record accessible to researchers, whānau, and the public.”
To further honour those who have served, Air New Zealand has made a charitable donation to the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association.
Additional service records can be accessed via the Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Online Cenotaph at aucklandmuseum.com/cenotaph.
NAN 26 April 26
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