Bringing our history to light: The NZ Remembrance Army’s ANZAC mission

23 Apr 2025

Every ANZAC Day, many of us gather in silence to remember the sacrifices of those who served. But behind that moment of stillness lies the quiet dedication of volunteers who have spent countless hours restoring the places where our service people rest. This April, the New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA) continues their mission to ensure every service grave stands proud.

On Sunday, 20 April 2025, the NZRA will lead working bees at Pokeno Cemetery in Auckland and Karori Cemetery in Wellington. These events are part of a wider nationwide movement to clean and restore war graves and memorials in the lead-up to ANZAC Day.

Since its inception six years ago, the NZRA has made remarkable strides, restoring over 230,000 service graves across 550 cemeteries and urupā. Their work, driven entirely by volunteers and funded through public donations and sponsorships – including Resene – reflects a deep commitment to honouring the past.

Simon Strombom, Managing Director of the NZRA, says their vision is simple but powerful: “Every service grave pristine, every service contribution remembered. We’ve set the bar high. We believe our service graves here in New Zealand should meet, if not exceed, the standards of overseas war cemeteries.”

It’s a vision that resonates deeply with communities around the country. Beyond the physical restoration – removing lichen, repairing inscriptions, lifting headstones – the work serves as a poignant act of remembrance and unity. Over 5,000 volunteers have contributed more than 100,000 hours of hands-on care. Many return year after year, bringing family and friends along.

For Simon and his team, it’s not just about the visible impact. It’s about reclaiming lost stories. Alongside their restoration work, NZRA has recorded over 8,000 individual service histories, placed more than 12,500 ceramic poppies on graves of those killed overseas and helped mark 140 previously unmarked graves.

“The ANZAC spirit is about service, and in many ways, our volunteers are continuing that legacy,” says Simon. “We may not wear uniforms, but we show up – with brushes, buckets and care.”

With more than 48 regional teams and restoration efforts in 150 cemeteries already complete, the NZRA continues to expand, but challenges remain. Operating on a shoestring budget, the organisation relies heavily on donations and community support. Yet the passion of its volunteers and sponsors keeps the momentum strong.

This year, as we gather in dawn light to reflect, it’s worth remembering the hands that have cleaned the plaques, the knees stained from kneeling beside forgotten names and the hearts that beat with purpose to preserve our shared heritage.

If you’d like to join the NZRA’s mission, or support their work, you can find more information and upcoming events at remembrance.co.nz.

Published: 23 Apr 2025