New Zealand pauses to remember Armistice Day

Veterans and military personnel around the country paused on Saturday to remember Armistice Day.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I came to an end.

The crowd stood silent in Wellington for two minutes to remember the sacrifice made in the Great War, before the 'Last Post' echoed across the  Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

More than 18,000 Kiwis were killed in action between 1914 and 1918.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them," said military heritage ambassador Willie Apiata VC.

November 11 marks the day when an armistice was signed between Germany and the Allies.

"We remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the First World War," said Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.

And the sacrifice of those who have fought in wars since.

"Our veterans today are falling away pretty quickly now as well and I don't think we've got any First World War veterans left anymore," RSA national president Sir Wayne Shelford said.

Armistice Day was acknowledged in Christchurch too. The Memorial Gates of Lancaster Park were rededicated after being damaged in the 2011 earthquakes.

They were built in 1924 to commemorate the sacrifice of Canterbury athletes.

"Now almost a century after the gates were first completed, they now have been fully refurbished and returned to their former glory," said Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.

A place to remember for future generations.