Twenty-five youth ambassadors are to be selected to attend Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli next year to mark the centenary of the ill-fated campaign.
Australian and New Zealand soldiers take stand during the ceremony celebrating the 99th anniversary of the Anzac Day in Turkey on April 24, 2014. Photo: AFP
The young people will be selected from the winners of various speech competitions as well as a new Gallipoli 2015 social media competition.
Others will come from the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Limited Service Volunteers and from the Prime Minister's Youth Programme.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse said the youth ambassadors would be important in carrying the traditions of Anzac Day commemorations forward.
"They will be encouraged to tell the Gallipoli story in their own voices, from their unique perspectives."
Mr Woodhouse said the young people would have another role as well.
"They will also have a practical support role on the Gallipoli Peninsula assisting other New Zealanders - particularly older New Zealanders - attending the commemorations."
The youth ambassadors will be selected from current competitions such as the Minister of Veterans' Affairs Passchendaele competition and the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC speech competition, as well as a new Gallipoli 2015 social media competition administered by the Ministry of Youth Development.
Other youth ambassadors will be selected from the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Limited Service Volunteers and from the Prime Minister's Youth Programme.
They will be part of the New Zealand Defence Force contingent and will have their travel, accommodation and meals paid for.