The historical record matters.
In the First and Second World Wars, hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders served overseas. The overwhelming majority were not Māori. While Māori contributions — particularly through the 28th (Māori) Battalion — were distinguished and rightly remembered, they represented a minority share of total service. That reality should inform how the day is commemorated, without diminishing the significance of that contribution.
In most of New Zealand’s overseas conflicts, those who served — Māori and non-Māori alike — did so under a single banner: the New Zealand flag. Units may have reflected different backgrounds, but they were not separate forces. They were part of one military, representing one country. That matters.
ANZAC Day should reflect that same unity. It is a national day of remembrance, not a collection of competing cultural expressions. The purpose is to honour shared sacrifice — not to segment it.
In recent years, ANZAC services have increasingly incorporated tikanga Māori — including karakia, waiata, and haka. These can be appropriate acknowledgements of Māori service and heritage. But as they become disproportionately prominent or overly lengthy, they risk shifting the tone of the event away from remembrance and toward performance.
That’s where the concern lies.
This is not an argument against Māori inclusion. Māori served, fought, and died — and their contribution deserves recognition. But recognition should be proportionate and purposeful, not expansive to the point where it reshapes the character of the event.
The same principle would apply to any group. No single narrative — cultural, political, or otherwise — should overtake the core meaning of the day.
ANZAC Day has endured because it is simple, solemn, and shared. It binds generations — across all backgrounds — not through difference, but through a common act of remembrance.
However, ANZAC ceremonies are becoming more performative and less centred on remembrance, which I suggest is a legitimate concern.
Geoff Parker is a passionate advocate for equal rights and a colour blind society.
In most of New Zealand’s overseas conflicts, those who served — Māori and non-Māori alike — did so under a single banner: the New Zealand flag. Units may have reflected different backgrounds, but they were not separate forces. They were part of one military, representing one country. That matters.
ANZAC Day should reflect that same unity. It is a national day of remembrance, not a collection of competing cultural expressions. The purpose is to honour shared sacrifice — not to segment it.
In recent years, ANZAC services have increasingly incorporated tikanga Māori — including karakia, waiata, and haka. These can be appropriate acknowledgements of Māori service and heritage. But as they become disproportionately prominent or overly lengthy, they risk shifting the tone of the event away from remembrance and toward performance.
That’s where the concern lies.
This is not an argument against Māori inclusion. Māori served, fought, and died — and their contribution deserves recognition. But recognition should be proportionate and purposeful, not expansive to the point where it reshapes the character of the event.
The same principle would apply to any group. No single narrative — cultural, political, or otherwise — should overtake the core meaning of the day.
ANZAC Day has endured because it is simple, solemn, and shared. It binds generations — across all backgrounds — not through difference, but through a common act of remembrance.
However, ANZAC ceremonies are becoming more performative and less centred on remembrance, which I suggest is a legitimate concern.
Geoff Parker is a passionate advocate for equal rights and a colour blind society.
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