Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage
New Zealand’s service in military operations in Malaya/Malaysia will be honoured at a national commemoration at the National War Memorial on 16 September 2026.
Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says the commemoration is an opportunity to acknowledge the New Zealanders who served in the region, and to reflect on the lasting significance of their contribution.
“The national commemoration recognises the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of New Zealand service personnel who served in Malaya/Malaysia.
“Their service took place far from home, in challenging conditions as part of wider Commonwealth efforts to support peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
“We remember those who did not return, those who were wounded or affected by their service, and the whānau and communities who supported them. Their stories remain an important part of New Zealand’s military and commemorative history.”
New Zealand personnel served in the region during the Malayan Emergency, the Confrontation between Indonesia and Malaysia, and related operations. Their service included army, navy, and air force contributions across a period of significant regional change.
“For many New Zealanders, the campaigns in Malaya/Malaysia are a little-known chapter of our military history. Sixty years ago, the peace treaty between Malaysia and Indonesia ended the Confrontation and enabled New Zealand forces to withdraw from Borneo, ending our 17-year military commitment in the region.
“This national commemoration helps ensure that their service and sacrifice are not forgotten. They give New Zealanders a chance to honour the past, to support those who served, and to pass these histories on to future generations,” says Leauanae.
Attendees are asked to be seated in the Hall of Memories by 10.45am for an 11am start.
Further information
New Zealand forces served in Malaya as part of Commonwealth efforts during a counter-insurgency campaign against communist guerillas known as the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960.
New Zealand personnel also served in Malaysia and Borneo during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, an armed conflict from 1963 to 1966 following the formation of Malaysia.
At least 4,000 New Zealand personnel served in Malaya and Malaysia between 1948 and 1966.
The New Zealand Roll of Honour records twenty personnel who lost their lives on operational service during Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation campaigns.
The commemoration is held on 16 September because the date marks the establishment of the Malaysian Federation on 16 September 1963 and Malaysian Armed Forces Day.
More information is available on the NZ History website: