3 Oct 2017

Prince William to commemorate NZers in Passchendaele

3:14 pm on 3 October 2017

Prince William will attend the New Zealand Battle of Passchendaele centenary commemorations in Belgium this month.

Prince William will attend New Zealand's Passchendaele commemorations in Belgium

Prince William will attend New Zealand's Passchendaele commemorations in Belgium Photo: AFP

Passchendaele is considered New Zealand's worst military disaster, with 843 soldiers killed on 12 October 1917, the most on any single day of combat involving New Zealand troops.

The Duke of Cambridge will represent the Queen at New Zealand's national commemoration at Tyne Cot Cemetery.

A waka taua - Te Hono ki Aotearoa - will also be part of the centenary commemorations.

Eight kaihoe from New Zealand and six Dutch paddlers will take a waka taua to the waters of the moat around Menin Gate in Belgium.

The government will be represented by National MP Nick Smith, and the Speaker of the House David Carter will represent Parliament.

Princess Astrid of Belgium will attend on behalf of her brother, King Philippe.

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