Sombre ceremonies have been held across New Zealand to mark 100 years since the battle of Chunuk Bair at Gallipolli.

Chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, Rear Admiral David Ledson, spoke at national commemorations in Wellington - recounting some of the stories of those who fought.

One of the most well-known casualties was Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone.

Almost 97 years to the day, in August 2012, his great-great-grandson Lance Corporal Rory Malone was killed in Afghanistan.

Rear Admiral David Ledson, told national commemorations in Wellington both men are among many who will not be forgotten.

"This one tragic thread that links the two across the years - one of the many threads that each tell a family's story of service, and of sacrifice and of loss, and sadness expands the generations."

Chunuk Bair was a significant offensive in the doomed Gallipoli campaign, and is considered a defining moment in New Zealand’s wartime contribution.

Services were held around the country, and in Turkey, today to mark the sombre anniversary.

Chair of the First World War Centenary Memorial Working Party and Auckland Councillor Mike Lee said it's an important day for everyone.

"The enormous courage and sacrifice and heroism of those young men should always be remembered. It's part of our duty as New Zealanders to honour their memory."

"It is something that is very precious in the collective memory of New Zealand, and an important part of our national identity."

Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Maggie Barry spoke at the National War Memorial Park service.

She said today is a chance for New Zealand to pay its respects, and honour the men who fought and died in that battle, as well as approximately 100,000 others who served in the First World War.

Ms Barry said we can also pause to remember that our former foes are now our firm friends.

She said through Turkey's generosity, the peninsula we once fought over has become a place where both our nations can pay tribute to the suffering of the many families who lost loved ones and mark the sacrifice of the men who died there.