Section 17 of the Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 (the Act) prohibits the use of the word ‘Anzac’ in trade or business. The Ministry has compiled some guidelines as to what uses of Anzac or ANZAC will generally not be in breach of the prohibition in section 17.
We recommend using the term 'ANZAC' – with all capitals – only when referring to the specific Corps. For all other uses 'Anzac' is preferred. For example, 'On the Western Front there were two Anzac corps, with New Zealand Division serving in II ANZAC Corps until 1918. New Zealanders who died in war are remembered on Anzac Day.'
Use of the word ‘Anzac’ guidelines
Contact us if you have any questions about the use of the term ‘Anzac’.
A copy of the 1916 New Zealand Gazette notice proclaiming Anzac Day as a half-day holiday is available on our NZHistory website.
Legislation passed in 1949 prevented Anzac Day from being 'Mondayised'. The current Anzac Day Act 1966 liberalised activities after 1pm.
In April 2013 the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act was passed. This legislation enables an extra public holiday when Anzac Day falls on the weekend.
Flags, Emblems, and Name Protection Act 1981
Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013
Updated on 21st April 2022