Canadian PM lays wreath at Auckland War Museum

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in New Zealand for a brief visit, has laid a wreath at the Auckland War Memorial Museum to remember the fallen.

He was met on the stairs of the museum by Attorney-General Chris Finlayson and laid the wreath with Canadian defence attache for New Zealand Colonel Acton Kilby.

The Ode of Remembrance was read and the Last Post played before the New Zealand and Canadian flags were raised from half-mast.

Mr Harper was then taken on a tour through the museum.

His visit to the Auckland War Memorial followed a state welcome at Government House.

Later this afternoon Mr Harper will meet Prime Minister John Key for a meeting where they are expected to discuss security issues.

Mr Harper's visit to New Zealand comes ahead of the G20 meeting in Australia.