Wild weather in the Middle East has triggered fears for New Zealand's participation in the Anzac Day dawn service at Gallipoli this year, after luggage was lost in transit as the Kiwi contingent headed to Turkey.
Dubai suffered severe flooding last week – and amid the chaos, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) bags were lost.
With uniforms and many of the band's instruments still missing, it casts doubt over New Zealand's ceremonial presence at events.
"The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) may play a reduced role in Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli this year after some of the contingent's luggage failed to arrive in Türkiye in time," the NZDF confirmed in a statement.
"The contingent flew to Türkiye through Dubai last week, where unprecedented flooding hit the region and the airport suffered massive disruptions. The contingent's checked luggage did not accompany it to Istanbul.
"The luggage contained service dress uniforms and band instruments, all of which are essential for Thursday's Dawn Service at Anzac Cove and late-morning New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair."
About half of the bags have reportedly been recovered at Dubai International Airport and the NZDF has received the first already – but even if they reach Anzac Cove on time, the contingent might not be properly equipped to participate in the main dawn service.
"Efforts by New Zealand Embassy staff in Ankara managed to retrieve some of the luggage on Tuesday evening (Türkiye time), but it included just one band instrument and some dress uniforms," the NZDF said.
NZDF Gallipoli lead John McLeod said the group were disappointed.
Tonight, the contingent will look at what has or hasn't arrived and make a call on how it can take part in the Dawn Service. The 40-strong group "would still be able to provide some support to the services", McLeod said.
The Kiwi contingent lost its luggage while transiting through Dubai, leaving them without uniforms and band instruments. (Source: 1News)
And the New Zealand Chunuk Bair service will be delivered one way or another, the NZDF confirmed.
"Our outstanding vocalist, Lance Corporal Bryony Williams will sing anthems without accompaniment and we have a guitar to support our Māori Cultural group in singing waiata," McLeod said.
"We are grateful for the support of the Australian Defence Force in helping deliver our service.
"Efforts were made to source musical instruments locally but it had proved very difficult to find the right instruments, particularly given local bands' participation in Turkish services."
Many of the group who arrived with only carry-on luggage have been able to buy clothing and other necessities.
Rehearsals have been carried out as planned in anticipation of the luggage arriving in time.
Disappointing for those involved - Defence Minister
Defence Minister Judith Collins said it was disappointing for all involved.
"The New Zealand Defence Force role at Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli this year is being affected after some of the contingent’s luggage failed to arrive in Türkiye after flying through Dubai last week, where unprecedented flooding hit the region and the airport suffered serious disruption," she said in a media release.
"It is disappointing for all those involved, many in the contingent have personal and family connections, but it is heartening to know that despite the problems, the contingent has been working hard to ensure it is still able to provide some support to services."
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