A parade of former soldiers, currently serving soldiers and their families marched through the streets of Taupō on Sunday.
The parade was part of the biannual reunion of the NZ Vietnam Veterans Association, which was held in Taupō for the second time.
The event began on Friday with a tribute to Ngāti Tūwharetoa at Nukuhau Marae, before they held their AGM and formal dinner on Saturday.
Victor Timu, a veteran who helped to organise the reunion, told Local Democracy Reporting that the event was attended by about 200 people, of whom 50 were Vietnam veterans.
The rest were families of the veterans and New Zealand Defence Force personnel, such as Major-General Rose King, New Zealand’s first female Chief of Army.
Taupō District Mayor John Funnell attended the formal dinner and wrote to the veterans, saying:
“We acknowledge, with deep respect, your service and sacrifice. Your courage, commitment, and resilience have made a lasting contribution to the freedoms and values we hold dear today.”
Remembering the 37
The association said in a statement that the reunion was important for the veterans.
“It is a chance for veterans to settle in, reconnect and share stories that only those who were there can truly understand.”
Part of that reconnection was also remembering the 37 New Zealanders who never returned from Vietnam.
“It is not only about those who did not return, but also about acknowledging all who served and the families who supported them through difficult years,” the statement said.
“This reunion is about recognition, respect and healing, and about ensuring the service of that generation is never forgotten.”
Andy Peters served as the association’s kaumatua until he stepped down at the reunion.
He told Local Democracy Reporting that they want their descendants to be involved in the reunion to keep their memories alive.
NZ’s involvement in the Vietnam War
New Zealand deployed forces to Vietnam between 1964 and 1972.
About 3000 New Zealanders served there, but 37 did not return.
The mission of the New Zealand Defence Force was to support the Republic of South Vietnam, which was being invaded by North Vietnam.
The NZDF worked alongside South Vietnam, the USA and Australia.
Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Barry Dreyer told Local Democracy Reporting NZ that infantry and artillery were deployed in combat, while combat engineers worked with the United Nations to build infrastructure such as roads.
“The veterans have served New Zealand with courage and loyalty. It was a complex and demanding conflict, and for many veterans the return home was not easy,” the association said in a statement.
The association has yet to confirm the location of their 2028 reunion.
