Commemoration to remember WWI fighting in France

New Zealand soldiers' experiences in France during the First World War will be remembered in a special national commemoration. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

New Zealand soldiers' experiences in France during the First World War will be remembered in a special national commemoration.

The commemoration will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington on September 18, beginning with a ceremony at 11am.

From midday, France in the Park will showcase French culture with performances and activities featuring French artists, singers and community groups.

Between 1916 and 1918 New Zealand military personnel provided support to the Allied war effort in France, taking part in several battles; on the Somme, at Armentières, Le Quesnoy and in tunnels under the city of Arras.

"New Zealand's Unknown Warrior" will be a focal point of this year's commemoration.

The Unknown Warrior died in France sometime between April 1916 and November 1918.

He was originally buried in Caterpillar Valley Cemetery near Longueval, the site where the New Zealand Division first fought the Battle of the Somme, before his exhumation and interment at the National War Memorial in 2004.

People will be able to lay flowers and wreaths at his tomb.

Arts, Culture and Heritage minister Maggie Barry said the commemoration was a chance to pay tribute to those who served in France.

The centenary of the Battle of the Somme in France is on 15 September. Minister Gerry Brownlee will represent New Zealand at three services at Longueval in northern France.

● Information for people wanting to attend the War in France national commemoration can be found at ww100.govt.nz/war-in-france.

● For more information about the international commemoration marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, visit ww100.govt.nz/battle-of-the-somme-centenary.