I’ve been doing talk radio for a while now and so I took a look back at what I’ve said on past Anzac Days. And I noticed that each year has a slightly different flavour — shaped, I suppose, by the news of the day, our shifting sense of global security, and our place in the world.
But one thing never changes: I always feel quietly grateful for the way this day draws New Zealanders together. Regardless of what side of politics you’re on, your background, or where you come from, Anzac Day seems to cut through the noise — reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who served, and how much we owe them.
It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when Anzac Day didn’t feature so prominently in our national consciousness. But more and more, younger generations seem to be reaching for something meaningful — something bigger than themselves. A shared story. And Anzac Day has become something that increasingly unites us: a moment that transcends political boundaries.
And maybe this year, the tone feels different again. There’s a growing sense that peace can’t be taken for granted — a sense we can’t be quite as complacent as we once were. Global tensions are rising, conflicts are escalating, and we’re reminded that our freedom isn’t just a lucky accident of geography. It’s something we have to choose to value, protect, and defend.
Our Prime Minister recently visited New Zealand troops helping to train Ukrainian soldiers to defend their country. And as I watched that, it reminded me how we can never be complacent about our security and the need to stand up to aggressors.
So this Anzac Day, I’m reflecting not just on the sacrifice of past generations, but on the freedoms we enjoy today. Including the fact that we live in a society where we can express our differences — where we don’t all have to sing from the same song sheet. Because in some parts of the world, that is the only choice people have. And that’s something we should never take for granted.
It’s worth remembering that.
Lest we forget.
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