Retailers are being praised for respecting the use of the word Anzac this year.

There's only been one reported case of the term Anzac being illegally used for commercial purposes this year, a gym that was advertising Anzac boot camp classes.

Anzac is legally protected and it can't be used for trading or commercial purposes in New Zealand.

Across the Tasman, Australian store Target was forced to take beanies, hoodies and stubby holders containing the world Anzac off its shelves.

Royal New Zealand RSA CEO David Moger confirms they spoke to a gym that was advertising the Anzac fitness classes.

"You can understand why they might think that that was a good idea, but once we talked to them and explained...they completely understood and withdrew that straight away."

Moger points out the term Anzac is legally protected and it can't be used for trading or commercial purposes.

"Overall, I think that New Zealand retailers and manufacturers, as soon as they become aware of the protections of the term Anzac, are very respectful of it."