About 150 people gathered in Christchurch today to rededicate an Anzac sculpture and plant 500 native trees and bushes on the fringe of the city's red zone.
Two bronze memorial plaques were laid at the foot of the sculpture, alongside stones from Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula. Photo: RNZ / Georgina Stylianou
The Poppies Over Gallipoli sculpture was damaged in the earthquakes and has since been moved to higher ground on the corner of Christchurch's Anzac Drive.
Two bronze memorial plaques were laid at the foot of the sculpture, alongside stones from Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula.
Turkey's ambassador in New Zealand, Damla Say, said the stones were symbolic of the historic tie between the two nations.
"As the memories of the ... Gallipoli campaign reach the age of 100, the historical background of our relationship continues to stand the test of time.
"The posterity [of the fallen soldiers] have held on for the chance of building this unique friendship, which they were denied."
Reverend Peter Beck led the ceremony, which included speeches from Christchurch's Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, and Associate Minister of Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Nicky Wagner.
Bruce Webster, representing the people of Australia, recited the Anzac dedication while Ms Say recited Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's well-known tribute to the Anzac's.
The words of the tribute are inscribed in the sculpture.
The ceremony ended with Kevin McMorran sounding The Last Post before a minute's silence was observed.
About 20 members of the city's Turkish community attended the ceremony.
Afterwards, many people went on to a community planting session in the Anzac Drive Reserve.
