File photo. Photo: NZDF / Supplied
The New Zealand Defence Force will host two events to commemorate Purple Poppy Day this morning.
Services will be held at the National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Auckland and the National Army Museum in Waiouru, north of Palmerston North, at 11am.
Purple Poppy Day is held on 24 February each year to honour and remember animals who served alongside the country's armed forces for more than 120 years.
It is a day that is now recognised and commemorated throughout the country and around the world.
It also marks the sixth anniversary of the unveiling of New Zealand's first Animal Memorial at the National Army Museum.