Senior National Party minister Chris Bishop was notably absent when his name was called to lay a wreath at the Lower Hutt Anzac Day dawn service this morning, an incident the MP has labelled 'pretty embarrassing'.
The Hutt South MP and Attorney-General said he was 'gutted' about the mix-up, which he attributed to a 'breakdown in communication' between the Lower Hutt RSA and his office. The service, a key event in the city's commemorative calendar, took place at the Hutt Civic Events Centre, with local dignitaries and the public gathering to pay their respects.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Mr Bishop clarified the situation after receiving questions about his absence. 'I did not know the RSA were expecting me to lay a wreath and I wasn't officially invited to do so,' he explained. 'Obviously if I had known, I would have been there.' The Lower Hutt RSA has been approached for comment.
An 'embarrassing' mishap
Anzac Day holds a sacred place in New Zealand's national identity, marking the 111th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli. Services across the country, from major cities to small towns, provide a space for reflection on the sacrifices of service personnel. For a senior government minister representing the local electorate, a public absence at such a moment is significant.
It looks like there was a breakdown in communication between the RSA and my office and me. I did not know the RSA were expecting to me to lay a wreath and I wasn't officially invited to do so. Obviously if I had known, I would have been there.
Despite the conspicuous moment at the main Hutt service, Mr Bishop's day was still heavily focused on commemorative duties. He confirmed his attendance at four other services across his electorate, demonstrating a commitment to honouring the day, even with the scheduling mishap.
'As always', the MP said, he had attended two services in Petone, the later Hutt Civic service (though not in an official capacity for the wreath-laying), and the Wainuiomata service. This schedule highlights the numerous local events that take place across the Hutt Valley, each with its own community significance, from the larger civic events to smaller, more intimate gatherings. The region has a strong history of community remembrance, even in the face of challenges like the recent flooding that impacted local residents and businesses.
The 'everywhere man' absent from the podium
The incident is unusual for a politician who, since entering parliament, has earned the nickname 'the everywhere man' for his high visibility and work rate in the Hutt South electorate. His reputation as 'Mr Fixit' within the National-led government has been cemented by his management of several high-profile and demanding portfolios, including Housing, Infrastructure, and RMA Reform. This is reminiscent of debates around development in other regions, such as when the Maine governor vetoes landmark bill to pause data center construction.
Mr Bishop's political star has been on the rise. He was recently appointed Attorney-General in a cabinet reshuffle, taking on the senior legal role while handing off his duties as Leader of the House. A recent Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll suggested he is more popular with the public than both Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins. This public profile and perception of diligence makes the Anzac service miscommunication all the more notable.
The organisation of Anzac Day services is a significant undertaking, largely coordinated by local Returned and Services' Associations (RSAs). These events are planned months in advance, involving coordination between the RSA, local councils, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the offices of elected officials. As noted on the New Zealand Parliament's website, parliamentary representatives play a key role in these national ceremonies.
A day of national remembrance
While the local incident caused a minor stir, the focus of the day remained on solemn remembrance across New Zealand and the world. The national commemorative service was held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, while the capital's carillon rang out for Anzac Day after a long period of silence. Events were also held in London, attended by the Princess Royal, and at Gallipoli in Türkiye.
Closer to home, the Hutt Valley hosts a number of significant events that bring the community together, from cultural festivals to sporting events like the recent national Muay Thai trials at the Town Hall. Anzac Day, however, remains one of the most significant dates on the civic calendar.
Following the morning's events, Mr Bishop was scheduled to fulfil his official governmental duties in the afternoon. He confirmed he would be attending the Ataturk memorial service at Breaker Bay on behalf of the Government, where he was formally tasked with laying a wreath to honour all those who fought and died in the Gallipoli campaign.
