It would have to be among the single-most overdue law changes in New Zealand. I don’t know about you, but until the Anzac Amendment Bill came before Parliament this year, I didn’t realise that modern servicemen and women weren’t technically recognised on Anzac Day. Under the letter of the law, only those who served up to 1966 were officially commemorated.  

Obviously, that’s wrong. Although of course Anzac Day began as an occasion to commemorate those who served in the Gallipoli campaign —and it will always honour the original ANZACs— the many contributions across different campaigns, theatres and missions since are wholly worthy of our acknowledgement and appreciation.  

And while I suppose some could argue that it didn’t really matter, that modern servicepeople are always allowed to march in modern services, and that a law change is simply symbolic, I would argue that symbolism is at the core of Anzac Day. It matters. 

For the nerds like me who spend a lot of time following international news, I feel like the sacrifice of those past feels that tiny bit closer in 2026. I am of a generation that has grown up in the world the ANZACs fought for. Here in New Zealand, I have flourished with the myriad benefits of peace and security. It’s very easy to take for granted when you don’t know anything else. 

And I don’t want to be too doom and gloom other than to say that clearly the security and peace that much of the world has enjoyed for many decades feels more brittle and more fragile than any time in my life. That which they fought for, that which they died for, should never be taken for granted. 

Listen to Jack's chat with Commodore Shane Arndell about Anzac Day and this morning's services here.