New Zealand nationals flock to honor Christchurch victims on Anzac Day

Thousands of people turned out across New Zealand on Thursday to honour their war dead at the annual Anzac Day dawn services, with security tight in the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the March 15 massacre, which left 50 dead and almost as many wounded, showed "there is still much division to overcome" in the world.

Anzac Day marks the April 25, 1915 landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on the Turkish peninsula in an ill-fated WWI campaign against the German-backed Ottoman forces. More than 10,000 Australian and New Zealand servicemen died but while the battle failed in its military objectives, it gave rise to commemorations of the courage and close friendship that bind the two countries.

Similar dawn services were held in Australia. "Each Anzac Day, we take time to reflect and remember," Ardern said in Auckland, calling for a recommitment "to the principles of freedom, democracy and peace that the country had fought for".

"Recently, our peace was altered dramatically by the terrorist attacks in Christchurch. As we gather together this Anzac Day, we recognise that there is still much division to overcome in the world today." Azeem Zafarullah, the leader of a Muslim youth association, said it was even more important for the Muslim community to take part in the Anzac Day services, following the carnage in Christchurch.

"It's important that we show the public that we're here to represent our country -- we are loyal citizens," he told reporters. Zafarullah said the Muslim community had received a lot of support after the mosque massacre, noting: "It's important that we show that support back."

Britain's Prince William arrived in New Zealand early Thursday and was expected to attend a mid-morning Anzac service in Auckland before travelling to Christchurch to meet attack survivors. 

(With inputs from agencies.)