Judith Collins to visit WWII commemorations in Italy, discuss global security in UK

In Italy, Minister Collins will honor the memory of the 2,176 New Zealanders who lost their lives and the 6,700 who were wounded in the Italian Campaign.

New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins is set to visit the UK and Italy this week to engage in key discussions with her counterparts and to participate in the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Battles of Cassino, one of the most intense and significant campaigns New Zealand forces were involved in during World War II.

In Italy, Minister Collins will honor the memory of the 2,176 New Zealanders who lost their lives and the 6,700 who were wounded in the Italian Campaign. She will also attend the commemorations as a descendant of a serviceman, wearing the medals of her late father, Percy Collins, and is looking forward to meeting Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies, the last surviving member of the 28 (Maori) Battalion.

Prior to her visit to Italy, Minister Collins will meet with the UK's Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps, and Home Secretary, James Cleverly. Discussions are expected to focus on the security challenges facing Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Additionally, during her time in the UK, Minister Collins will visit a British Army military base where New Zealand Defence Force personnel are training Ukrainian recruits. This visit underscores New Zealand's commitment to international engagement and its support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Minister Collins departs today and will return on May 22, emphasizing New Zealand's dedication to maintaining strong international defense relationships and commemorating its historical military contributions.