FAQs – NZ Remembrance Army

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA)?

The NZRA is a volunteer-led movement dedicated to restoring and preserving the graves and memorials of New Zealand’s service personnel. We believe every person who served deserves to be remembered with dignity – and that starts with a clean, cared-for resting place.

What does the NZRA do?

We clean, restore, and maintain service graves across the country. That includes:

Locating service graves, both marked and unmarked
Removing moss and lichen
Repainting inscriptions
Restoring bronze plaques and headstones
Recording service histories
Placing ceramic poppies on graves of those killed overseas

So far, we’ve restored over 230,000 graves, recorded 8,000 service stories, and placed 12,500 poppies – all thanks to our incredible volunteers.

Why do we care about remembrance?

Remembrance is more than a date on the calendar – it’s a living act of respect. Every restored grave tells a story of someone who served, someone who mattered, someone whose legacy shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

Many of these memorials belong to people who never came home, or whose families can no longer care for them. By helping restore these sites, we’re not just cleaning stone – we’re reconnecting with our history, honoring sacrifice, and showing future generations what it means to remember.

Whether you have a direct connection or not, this is about us as New Zealanders, standing together to say – we don’t forget our own.

Why is this work important?

Many service graves have been neglected over time – due to family relocation, aging relatives, or simply being forgotten. We’re here to change that. Restoring these memorials is our way of saying we remember, we care, and we honour your service.

How many volunteers are involved?

Over 5,000 volunteers from all walks of life have joined the NZRA. From school kids to veterans, families to cadets -everyone is welcome.

Is the NZRA part of the Returned Services Association (RNRSA) or New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)?

No, we’re independent. But we share the RNZRSA’s values of remembrance and the NZDF’s spirit of comradeship. We have worked alongside both organizations and welcome their support.

How can I get involved?

It’s easy:

Visit your local cemetery
Take photos of service graves
Share them on our Facebook page
We’ll connect you with a local coordinator to guide you through the restoration process

You can also join one of our working bees held nationwide, especially around ANZAC Day.

What if NZRA isn’t active in my area?

Reach out! We’re always looking for new regional coordinators and volunteers. We’ll help you get started and connect you with others nearby.

How much does it cost to restore a grave?

Granite headstone: around $2 in cleaning products
Bronze plaque: around $10, plus 4–5 hours of careful work

All labour is done by volunteers – no charge to families.

How is NZRA funded?

We rely on public donations and support from our awesome sponsors like Resene, AMP, Bunnings, and Bio Shield. Every dollar goes directly into restoration work. You can donate via our Givealittle page.

Can I request a restoration for a family member’s grave?

Absolutely. If they served, we’ll do our best to restore their memorial. You’re also welcome to help with the restoration – it’s a meaningful way to honour their memory.

Do you contact families before restoring a grave?

We make every effort to reach out, especially for older graves. If a family prefers we don’t restore or share images, we respect that completely.

Is this work safe and respectful?

Yes. Our volunteers are trained in proper techniques. We never alter stonework and always treat each grave as whānau – with care, dignity, and respect.

Where can I learn more or get in touch?

Visit our website – www.remembrance.co.nz