On Monday 25th April, the Samoa High Commissioner and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps (HE Leasi Papali’i Scanlan) and his Spouse (Mrs Joyce Wetzell-Scanlan) participated in the ANZAC Day Memorial Service held at the Pukeahu Memorial in Wellington. Originally, ANZAC Day was held to mark the Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915. But, over the years, ANZAC commemoration have extended to also remember New Zealand’s services and losses during the Second World War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as many other conflicts that NZ soldiers have participated in.

The Governor General (HE Dame Cindy Kiro) delivered the Keynote Address while the Minister of Health (Hon Andrew Little) represented the NZ Government and delivered the Historical Reading. Member of Parliament (Ms Nicola Willis) represented the Opposition.

HE Leasi Scanlan led the wreath laying for the Diplomatic Corps when he first laid the wreath on behalf of the Independent State of Samoa. This was the last ANZAC Memorial Service for the High Commissioner as his Diplomatic service of more than ten years in New Zealand concludes at end-June this year.