The remains of 27 Kiwi soldiers have arrived back on home soil, having previously been buried in Malaysia and Singapore for a number of years.
An Air New Zealand flight touched down at Auckland Airport today, containing the remains, which were offloaded by defence force personnel in front of whānau, military staff, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Veterans Ron Mark.
A team of experts had been working with the remains to ensure they were properly identified and could be returned to their family.
The soldiers died in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The body of a baby that died at three months for illness has also been returned.
The Prime Minister says to see the remains of the men and an infant welcomed home by their families was incredibly moving.
“I know it is a hugely emotional time for the families of these 27 Service personnel and one infant whose remains have been repatriated from Malaysia and Singapore,” Ms Ardern said.
“Those repatriated today gave their lives serving for our nation, but due to a policy applied in an inconsistent and unfair way over many decades, were not returned home.
“The Government has committed to righting this wrong and it is vitally important to the families that we do.
“Most of those returned today were young men in their 20s when they died. Nine were killed in action during the Malayan Emergency or the Vietnam War.
“The other New Zealanders who have come home today lost their lives in accidents or through illness, and include Desmond Rogers, the infant son of a service person who was just three and a half months old.
“The loss and grief of their loved ones was the same, no matter what the cause of their passing. Today we acknowledge their sacrifice and service.
“The families now have their loved ones home and can prepare them to be truly laid to rest."
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