Read his speech:

E ngā iwi, e ngā mana, e ngā reo,

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

I would like to acknowledge Rangiora RSA President Malcolm Wallace, Pat Duggan,

Our Veterans and their families,

Members of RSA’s, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for the opportunity to join you today in commemorating Vietnam Veterans’ Day and for the privilege of laying a wreath.

I know from meeting a number of returned servicemen and women, that every veteran has a defining memory of their time at war -

- a particular firefight, a near miss, a comrade killed in action.

The Tet Offensive has largely been regarded as a turning point in the Vietnam War -

- when it started to become apparent that America was not going to get a victory, and the anti-Vietnam war rhetoric amped up.

This is in my opinion one of the greatest tragedies of the war.

Where politics and bureaucracy took precedence over people.

When our veterans returned home they did not receive the welcome they deserved.

There were the obvious physical scars on the bodies of those veterans - We knew about the psychological impacts of war and the effects that can have on returning personnel and their families.

- even the horrors of the ongoing health battles due to the effects of toxins, such as Agent Orange were eventually acknowledged as it should have been.

But what everyone failed to appreciate or understand was the profound and long-lasting effects of being shunned,

criticised or ignored,

despite exemplary service to New Zealand, and the huge personal sacrifice made.

It’s a shame we still carry as a nation.

Today is about honouring and remembering,

ensuring that those stories of bravery and camaraderie are not only properly acknowledged, but that they live on for our future generations.

This day holds deep significance as we reflect on the service of more than 3,000 New Zealand military personnel,

and 300 civilian medical and aid workers who served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972.

In particular we remember the battle of Long Tan.

This battle took place on the 18th of August 1966 in a rubber plantation, near Long Tan Village in Phước (Fok Toy) Province, South Vietnam.

There are some veterans here who took part in that historic battle, which was led by the Australian D Company,

with artillery support from New Zealand’s 161^st Battery,

and Australian armoured personnel carriers which saved the day.

Shortly after the battle, New Zealand’s Victor One Company, became part of an Australian battalion, in the spirit of the ANZAC forces.

Several other New Zealand companies arrived in the years afterwards,

with Victor Six being the final battalion to depart from Vietnam in 1971.

It is important to acknowledge the teamwork, bravery and endurance, displayed by our forces throughout the war.

Today, we also honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,

those who returned home with wounds, both visible and hidden, and those who lost their lives later due to war-related health issues.

To all of you present today, who continue to bear the physical and emotional scars of the conflict,

I offer my deepest gratitude.

It is an honour to stand before you, and express my appreciation for your service to our nation.

Thirty-nine New Zealanders lost their lives during the Vietnam War, and 187 were wounded.

In my time as Mayor, I have had the opportunity to meet many veterans, and share in their stories.

I have begun to understand more about the long-lasting health impacts,

both mental and physical, that our veterans have faced upon returning home.

I firmly believe, that more support is needed for those who serve our country, and suffer health consequences as a result of their service.

I would like all of you here today to know that your Country is proud of you.

This District is proud of you.

So many lives were made better because you fought for justice and freedom.

Please don’t ever lose sight of the importance of what you did and the profound difference it made.

I am always honoured, and in awe when I stand at this event each year.

When I look out at the crowd, and see not only our veterans but, their families and friends, and all the young people in attendance.

Let that be all the proof, you will ever need as to the love, respect and gratitude we all have.

Thank you for all that you sacrificed, so that future generations may never have to make those sacrifices,

or know that pain and hardship.

We will never forget, we will remember your service always.

Thank you.

Nga mihi nui, kia koutou, katoa