Watch: Jacinda Ardern speaks of 'peace, multilateralism and inclusion' during Armistice Day speech

November 11, 2018

The Prime Minister said the anniversary allows everyone to reflect on what legacy was left behind after World War One.

The Prime Minister has spoken of hope and legacy during her speech as part of the Wellington Armistice Day centenary service this morning.

Jacinda Ardern spoke in the capital to mark the 100th anniverasry of the ending of World War One, saying, "today we remember all the lives changed by the First World War.

"I hope we will continue to engage with our communities’ war stories and memorials. I hope that re-discovered chapters of family history will be passed on to the next generations and that we will never forget the service and sacrifices our forebears made.

"This Armistice Day, as we reflect on the human toll of war we are reminded to value the living and to hold fast to hope.

"In a world where conflict remains all too prevalent, we look to how we can achieve a better future.

"We think of our commitment as a nation to the ideals of peace, multilateralism and inclusion.

"We will best honour our forebears by continuing to hold fast to these values as we work for the next generation and for our future."

We affirm the fervent hopes of our forebears 100 years ago - hopes for peace and a better world for all.

—  Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy |

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy told the Armistice Day National Ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park that the dreadful reality of war was felt in over 30 nations. 

"An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives and untold others were left with lasting physical and psychological wounds" by World War One, she said.

"Our soldiers had endured the horrors and privations of war on the slopes and gullies of Gallipoli, in the mud of the Western Front, and in the deserts of the Middle East.  

"Of the 100,000 who left our shores, nearly one in six did not come back, and still more died from their wounds in the years that followed." 

Dame Patsy said that by November 1918, New Zealanders had endured four long years of war. Some families had lost two, three or even four sons and thousands of men had returned wounded or shattered by their experience of war.

"When the Governor-General, Lord Liverpool announced the signing of the Armistice from the steps of the Parliamentary Library, the news spread like wildfire. And just as in many other countries - people spilled out into the streets, wild with joy.

"The response was more muted amongst our soldiers at the Front. Many received the news quietly," she said. 

"Today, a century on from the news of the Armistice, people and nations around the world are gathering as we are - to reflect and remember - and to celebrate the precious gifts of peace.

"The generation that lived the First World War is no longer with us, but their legacy will endure. We cherish their memory as we affirm the fervent hopes of our forebears 100 years ago - hopes for peace and a better world for all.

"Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou. We will remember them," the Governor-General concluded.

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