A wreath-laying ceremony has been held at Parliament to mark the 70th anniversary of New Zealand's involvement in the Second World War in the Pacific.
More than 70 veterans who served in the war were among those to mark the anniversary on Monday.
Thousands of New Zealanders fought in the Pacific War which began with a Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 and ended with the Japanese surrender in September 1945.
Those attending the ceremony were told the conflict was fought on a vast scale over huge distances, and for New Zealanders it was a war that felt uncomfortably close to home.
Rear Admiral David Ledson said the war in the Pacific was bloody and destructive.
A veteran from Nelson, Allan Brown, said he lost his brother in that war with the Japanese taking no prisoners.
Cadet Sergeant Taylor Booth and CCPO Adam Brannigan at the 70th anniversary of the Pacific War. Photo: RNZ
