20 April 2000

New Zealanders have a unique position of potential in the world when it comes to the prevention of conflict and the brokering of peace, says Christchurch’s Mayor, Garry Moore.

Globally New Zealand was accepted as a small, brave nation that produced superb soldiers, he said when addressing the Citizens’ ANZAC service in the Christchurch Cathedral on 25 April.

"My hope is that in the future we can become known as the nation of warriors for peace. That we can move on from our new world-wide status as skilled peacekeepers to take a more active role in damping the flames of war before they catch alight," Mr Moore said.

No nation on earth doubted New Zealand’s toughness or resolve. "I think that makes us potentially a potent weapon for peace. Our families have all paid the price one way or another. I think a future as peacemakers would be a superb way to remember that price."

It was too easy to get lost in the enormity of what happened to our people in times of war and to overlook the most important thing of all: the human lives of those remembered here today, he said.

It had been a wonderful change to Anzac Day in recent years to see that it had not been the children of World War Two servicemen and women but generally the grandchildren who had been given gift of that sense of connection.

"I believe we are bearing witness to a very powerful unfolding of the fulfillment of the dearest hope of those who part in the wars of last century – that we would not forget," Mr Moore said.

The fallen "did not want us to forget but nor did they want their own sacrifice to be repeated if an honorable alternative could be found."