On Sunday 22 June 2025 the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand visited the New Zealand Memorial Park in Mesen and the commemorative column for the New Zealand Division. 

Welcome by Mayor Sandy Evrard of Mesen / Messines.



Presentation to the aldermen of the city and to the members of the New Zealand Pilgrimage Trust.

















The buglers of the Last Post Association played the Last Post and the Reveillie.





The Ode of Remembrance.



Laying of a wreath by the New Zealand Prime Minister and Ambassador Jennifer Troup.









Mayor Sandy Evrard.





The national anthem of New Zealand.















Ambassador Troup escorted the PM to the Nga Tapuwae sign and the members of the New Zealand Pigrimage Trust provided an overview of the Battle of Messines of 7 June 1917. Special attention went also to the great-grandfather of Christopher Luxon who was involved in the Battle of Messines in June 1917.











Former New Zealand Ambassador to Belgium Paula Wilson was also present. 













Word of thanks by the Prime Minister to conlude his visit.







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