About 160 firefighters have climbed the Sky Tower in Auckland to honour their New York counterparts who died in the September 11 terror attacks.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the attacks, and New Zealand is one of the first countries to pay tribute.
A group of firefighters from Whangaparaoa, near Auckland, prepare to tackle the Sky Tower climb. Photo: RNZ / Joanna MacKenzie
Firefighters travelled from around New Zealand to climb the Sky Tower's 1100 steps, many of them clad in full uniform.
They were joined by United States Ambassador to New Zealand Mark Gilbert, and were watched by a crowd of several hundred.
US Ambassador Mark Gilbert with flag bearers before the Sky Tower 9/11 memorial climb/ Photo: RNZ / Joanna MacKenzie
Before the climb, New York City Fire Department firefighter Steven Filippo read a letter of thanks to the New Zealand Fire Service on behalf of his colleagues.
Some photos of the 343 New York firefighters who died on 11 September, 2001, in the attacks and in their aftermath were on display at the base of the Sky Tower.
Firefighters bow their heads ahead of beginning the climb up Auckland's Sky Tower in honour of those who lost their lives in New York on 11 September 2001. Photo: RNZ / Joanna MacKenzie
SkyCity interim general manager Matt Ballesty said it was an important occasion to mark.
"What happened on 9/11 affected the whole world and it can happen anywhere - the world's a much different place [now] and it's important that we ... show we are united against these tragic events."
The American flag at the US Embassy and Consulate in Wellington has been lowered in remembrance today.
About 160 firefighters gathered to climb Auckland's Sky Tower in commemoration of the firefighters who died during 9/11. Photo: RNZ / Joanna MacKenzie