NZ Tunnelling Company 110th Commemorations

Members of the pubic are warmly invited to attend a special commemorative event as descendants of the First World War New Zealand Tunnelling Company are gathering at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park above the Arras Tunnel. 2026 is the 110th anniversary since the Company arrived on the Westen Front. The Tunnelling Company was the first New Zealand unit to arrive on the Front. Their duties included working underground at Arras in northern France. Today, the Arras Tunnel in Wellington is a visible reminder of the story of those who served underground.

We are gathering in the nation’s capital, in a space of national significance, to pay appropriate respect to a group of men whose service and contribution have often not been understood. This will be a very special moment as descendants and supporters gather along with others who share their stories. We are honoured to have RNZE providing practical support and assistance on the day. This event has been made possible by partial funding from Veterans Affairs and many volunteers assisting at their own expense. Descendants are also helping with ongoing costs.

The commemoration is shaping up to be a special cultural blend of Aotearoa New Zealand, including Tangata Whenua, the Seyip Association representing a Tunneller of Chinese descent, as well as Cook Islands, French and Tahitian influences. They all share the Tunnelling Company story, with representatives from these groups participating. Over 50 descendants representing more than 20 Tunnellers’ families will be joining us, travelling from as far afield as Kaitaia and Invercargill.

We are honoured to have the Mayor of Wellington His Worship Andrew Little welcome us to the capital, followed by our keynote speaker Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, KStJ. The French Ambassador to New Zealand H.E. Laurence Beau and RNZE: Colonel Commandant Col. Paul Curry will also speak.

A special guest at the commemoration is Hon. Chris Finlayson KC. Chris was instrumental in the naming of the Arras Tunnel in 2014. Other distinguished guests who will join us include official representatives from the Cook Islands, the United Kingdom, Australia and France. Also attending will be past and present military representatives including Masterton and Wellington RSAs, the Sappers Association NZ, with five historical military vehicles also taking part to help us honour the ASC who were attached to the Tunnellers. Along with the Wellington Mayor, one other Mayor from the North Island and one from the South Island who share the Tunnellers’ story are also joining us. We will have two Tunnelling Company Chaplains with us on the day. Descendant Mons. Bernard Kiely and Waihi Tunnelling Company Chaplain Rev. Christina Syratt.

An important part of this commemoration is the reading out of a Roll of Honour by descendants and supporters. A descendant will also read the names on the Roll of Remembrance which recognises Tunnellers who took their own lives after the war. As far as we are aware, this will be the first time a list like this has been read out at Pukeahu.

The service proper begins at 1.00pm. Those not participating in the march are requested to be seated by 12.45pm. At 12.45pm descendants and supporters will march from Buckle Street to Anzac Square, led in by supporting RNZE personnel, a piper, flag bearer and three historic military vehicles. People who have a relationship to the Tunnelling Company story are invited to join descendants in this short march.