The final recipients of double passes to attend the centenary of the ill-fated Gallipoli ANZAC campaign have just two more days to confirm their attendance.
Australian and New Zealand soldiers take stand during the ceremony celebrating the 99th anniversary of the Anzac Day in Turkey on April 24, 2014. Photo: AFP
The New Zealand Government has been allocated 2000 places and the Australian Government 8000 places for the commemorations at the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey on ANZAC Day (25 April) this year.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Craig Foss said the centenary of the landing during WWI at Gallipoli was very meaningful.
Mr Foss said the campaign marked a turning point in New Zealand's history, and formed the basis of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) relationship.
"This is very, very significant, 100 years, of course, for the Gallipoli campaign, but of course what it means for New Zealanders and what it means to be part of the ANZACs," he said.
"This enduring strength and greater relationship we have with our Aussie mates [formed] who we are and what we are today".
Managing director at Stephen Parsons' House of Travel in Palmerston North Stephen Parsons who was offering an "ANZAC tour", said he had received a lot of queries from people interested in travelling to the region for the celebrations.
He said the tour, which offered 100 places, had almost sold out already.
Mr Parsons said it was a privilege to be able to deliver the tour and to share in people's experience of the commemorations.
"The stories are amazing that we're getting from customers who are travelling, in that there are a lot of human interest stories," he said.
"A lot of people who actually have family who fought in Gallipoli a lot of family memories and stories, and we've got family groups that are travelling with young people."
Mr Foss said any tickets not claimed in this tranche would be issued to the people next on the waiting list.
About 13,000 New Zealanders and 50,000 Australians served at Gallipoli in World War One.
During the campaign 2721 New Zealanders and 8709 Australians were killed over eight months.
Those who have been selected in this latest tranche have until 11.59pm on 15 January to accept the offer.
