PM to lead NZ delegation to Gallipoli

The beach at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, Turkey. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister John Key will join his Australian counterpart along with Prince of Wales and Prince Harry at next month's centenary commemorations of the Gallipoli landings.

Mr Key will lead a New Zealand delegation to Turkey on April 25, which marks 100 years since the first New Zealand troops came ashore at Gallipoli.

Gallipoli was the first major combat role for New Zealand forces in World War I and was where 2721 New Zealanders were killed -- a quarter of the total New Zealand forces sent to the peninsula.

"At these commemorations we'll be honouring their sacrifice and remembering all New Zealand veterans of conflict," Mr Key said today.

"The significance of this event is of course felt strongly by New Zealanders, with 2000 Kiwis expected to travel to Gallipoli through the ballot system."

Mr Key will attend a number of commemorative services on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 24 and 25, including the dawn service, the New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair and the Australian Service at Lone Pine.

Mr Key and Australian Prime Minister Abbott will jointly attend the Anzac Day services on April 25.

"We are delighted the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry will also be attending Gallipoli services in Turkey on the 24th and 25th of April," Mr Key said.

The Prime Minister's official delegation includes Veterans' Affairs Minister Craig Foss, Opposition Leader Andrew Little, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating and other senior Defence personnel, and RSA President Barry Clarke.

Also in the official party will be 25 youth ambassadors, highly decorated New Zealand veteran Brigadier Neville Reilly and historian Dr Chris Pugsley.

"Gallipoli is hugely significant for New Zealand, Australia and Turkey. It's where the Anzac relationship was cemented and it also a very important chapter in Turkey's history," said Mr Key.

"The Anzac spirit lives on in the way that New Zealand works collaboratively and respectfully with Australia, together with our Turkish hosts to hold the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli every year.

"Turkey commits significant resources to ensuring these important commemorations are undertaken safely and respectfully, and we are grateful for their hospitality."

Throughout the week there will be a number of significant events culminating in Anzac Day services around New Zealand.