Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae is among those attending inaugural events to mark New Zealand veterans of the post-World War II Malayan conflict.
Hundreds of people attended the Malayan Veterans Day memorial service at the National War Memorial in Wellington today, including Sir Jerry, diplomatic corps members, MPs and representatives from the Defence Force and the RSA.
After the service the veterans marched past Parliament, where a reception was held.
Those present were marking New Zealand service in the fight against a communist insurgency between 1948 and 1960.
New Zealand forces were first involved in supply drops to troops hunting communist guerrillas from 1949 to 1951 and then with ground patrolling and shore bombardment. Some New Zealanders also served in the Fijian battalion which participated from 1951 to 1956.
Fifteen New Zealand servicemen lost their lives, three as a result of enemy action, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand website says.
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