Purple Poppy Day

Join us at 11.00am, Tuesday 24 February 2026, for a memorial service in honour of the animals.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see a range of working animals in attendance, including Explosive Detection, Infantry Support and Patrol military working dogs, alongside a Police dog team and Clydesdale horses.

Following the memorial service, there will be a military working dog and handler demonstration, offering a closer look at the skill, discipline and partnership involved in their work.

Join us to learn more about the vital and varied roles these highly trained dogs perform in support of our armed forces.

Imagine a battlefield where courage and loyalty transcend human boundaries. This is the story of our animal heroes – brave souls who served without hesitation, and sacrificed without question.

Did you know that more than 8 million animals sacrificed their lives in World War I alone? Horses charging through gunfire, carrier pigeons delivering critical messages, dogs detecting explosives – these remarkable creatures were not just companions, but comrades who changed the course of history. The purple poppy symbolises these brave animals – commemorating the unsung heroes who served alongside our soldiers. By wearing it, you honour their incredible bravery, their unwavering loyalty, and their profound contribution to human conflicts.

Each year on 24 February, the anniversary of the unveiling of our New Zealand War Animal Memorial, we devote the day to commemorating all those animals past and present who have served in some shape or form alongside our armed forces in times of conflict. This has been made possible through the work and support of Nigel Allsopp and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO).

We’d Love to Hear From You

From museum visits to research support, our team is ready to assist you on your journey through New Zealand’s military history.