A national commemoration will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington at 11am on Tuesday 16 September 2025, to honour the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders who served in military operations in Malaya and Malaysia between 1948 and 1966.

"At least 4,000 New Zealanders served in military operations in Malaya and Malaysia, spanning two major conflicts: The Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960 and the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation from 1963 to 1966," says Brodie Stubbs, Manager Memorials and Commemorations at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

"The Malayan Emergency, which arose out of an attempt by the Malayan Communist Party to overthrow British colonial rule, lasted for 12 long years.

"The Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation began three years after the end of the Emergency. The ‘Confrontation Campaign’ in Borneo saw New Zealand forces, alongside Commonwealth forces, support Malaysia against cross-border incursions by Indonesian troops.

"In 1966 a peace treaty was signed and the last New Zealand service personnel withdrew from Borneo in October of that year.

"The New Zealand Roll of Honour records the names of twenty personnel who lost their lives during these operations. Many more returned with experiences that would shape the rest of their lives.

"This commemoration is a moment to reflect on the courage and commitment of those who served in Malaya and Malaysia over almost two decades.

"Nau mai ki Pukeahu, please join us on 16 September to honour the legacy of those who served and deepen our understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s military history," says Stubbs.

About the event

People wishing to attend this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start.

Please note that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.

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