AUCKLAND, July 10 (Xinhuanet) -- A WWII commemorative wreath-laying ceremony was held Sunday in Auckland with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and visiting British Prince William attending the session.

    Addressing the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Clark said New Zealand made the greatest national effort to date during the war.

    Out of a population of 1.6 million of New Zealand, around 140,000 men and women were dispatched overseas to serve in fighting formations in the Second World War.

    Clark said New Zealand devoted a very high proportion of its resources to the war effort: about 30 percent of the overall national income, with the figure rising to 50 percent during the critical years from 1942 to 1944.

    She said New Zealanders have a sense of pride in their achievements in standing together in adversity, and eventually prevailing to the benefit of the whole world.

    To the veterans of the country, Clark said their service has been honored and will be honored in the future. Enditem