New Zealand's ceremonial presence at this year's ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli is in serious doubt for the first time in history.
The Defence Force is "gutted" to be unsure whether they can participate due to their luggage getting lost in transit during the chaos of the Dubai floods last week.
All of their uniforms and the band's instruments are missing, meaning out of respect and protocol they will not be able to take part in the dawn ceremony alongside Australia and Turkey.
"I think it's the first time we haven't had a ceremonial role at the dawn service," New Zealand Defence Force lead John McLeod told Newshub.
He has been to Gallipoli commemorations 12 times.
"I've never experienced this. All I can say though is no Gallipoli experience is the same, they're always very different, it's always a privilege to be in the space."
Dubai International Airport has found 35 of the 65 missing bags and is now racing against time to have them delivered to Anzac Cove ahead of the big day. However, even then, they will only have half of what they need.
In an update later on Wednesday morning, the New Zealand Defence Force said efforts by New Zealand Embassy staff in Ankara managed to retrieve some of the luggage on Tuesday evening (Türkiye time), but it included just one band instrument and some dress uniforms.
"It was naturally disappointing for the personnel directly involved and all the event staff," McLeod said.
But Aotearoa's contingent will still be able to provide some support to the services.
Kiwi ingenuity is at play, with the band using spoons as drums, and the ANZAC spirit is alive and well with Australia offering to loan their bugler for our Chunuk Bair service if necessary.
Regardless of what arrives from the airport, the New Zealand Chunuk Bair commemoration will go ahead, even if it is scaled back and slightly less ceremonial. It is at the main Dawn Service where our absence will be most obvious.
The contingent would evaluate what had and hadn’t arrived on Wednesday morning before deciding how it might take part in the Dawn Service and how the New Zealand Chunuk Bair service will be delivered. But no matter what it will still be delivered.
"It is disappointing for everyone but we are determined to ensure our Chunuk Bair service honours those who fought here at Gallipoli. Our outstanding vocalist, Lance Corporal Bryony Williams will sing anthems without accompaniment and we have a guitar to support our Māori Cultural group in singing waiata. We are grateful for the support of the Australian Defence Force in helping deliver our service," McLeod said.
The bulk of the 40-strong contingent arrived in Turkey last week with just their carry-on luggage and have been able to buy clothing and other necessities. Rehearsals and battlefield tours have been conducted as scheduled in anticipation of uniforms and instruments arriving in time.
