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A Southland chaplain is preparing for what he describes as a "meaningful" deployment to Turkey for this year's Anzac Day Gallipoli commemoration.
Royal New Zealand Navy Chaplain Class 3 Rich Lander, who grew up in Winton, is among 38 New Zealand Defence Force personnel heading to the historic battlefields to deliver commemorative events.
"I'll be offering ceremonial support to the Anzac Day ceremonies. My role will be helping support the deployment when they pause and reflect as they remember the significance of some of the former battlefields, cemeteries and memorials we will be visiting," Chaplain Lander said.
New Zealand will take the ceremonial lead for the Dawn Service this year, with personnel including ceremonial and event staff making the journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula.
For Chaplain Lander, the deployment carries extra weight given the current international climate and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
"Those conflicts haven't stopped for more than 100 years. We are all aware the environment can change at any time and in terms of being a uniformed member of the armed services, we know we could be called at any time," he said.
"Knowing we are so close to a conflict zone brings more meaning to the Gallipoli deployment."
The Southland chaplain said being chosen for the team was a privilege, anticipating it will be a sobering experience.
"Remembering the sacrifices that people made for us will be quite a sombre and moving experience, not just for me, but for all of us."
Chaplain Lander joined the Navy in 2016, motivated by a desire to support military personnel who have committed to keeping New Zealand secure. His daughter has since followed in his footsteps, joining as an electronic warfare specialist.
"I wanted to be in people's corner and support them in difficult environments. It was very much about serving people who were doing the work and ultimately who have signed on the line to put themselves in harm's way," he said.
"Commemorating Anzac Day and going to the services each year has become important to my family since being involved in the NZDF."
The deployment comes as international tensions remain high, adding significance to the commemoration of the 1915 Gallipoli campaign where thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives.