Barack Obama pays tribute to NZ soliders for Anzac Day

US president Barack Obama has paid tribute to the "tenacity and loyalty" of New Zealand soldiers who fought at Gallipoli 101 years ago.

On behalf of President Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry today released a statement to pay tribute to the people of New Zealand and Australia on Anzac Day.

April 25 is a chance for Americans to "honor the memory of all the brave Australians and New Zealanders" who have served and perished since the Anzac soldiers landed on the shores of Gallipoli 101 years ago.

"Far from home, they fought with tenacity and loyalty to both their comrades and their new nations - a tradition carried on by each succeeding generation," Mr Kerry said.

Over a century later, the US says it is proud that the Anzac legacy has continued with US, Australian and Kiwi troops having served "side-by-side in support of Afghan security and stability".

"As part of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, they are working together to build the capacity of our Iraqi partners, who have liberated more than 40 percent of the land once controlled by ISIL and are continuing to advance," Mr Kerry said.

"In the Asia Pacific, our three countries are working and training together to ensure regional stability and enhance our ability to conduct joint humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

"On this ANZAC Day, we stand together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us all."

The first Anzac Day commemorations were held a century ago to remember the Gallipoli war dead.

Memorial services and dawn parades will be held across New Zealand on Monday.