Like other New Zealanders, Dame Patsy and Sir David were unable to attend public commemorations to mark Anzac Day 2020, due to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They joined thousands of fellow citizens across the country who chose to stand at dawn in front of their houses in silent reflection.
In an historic first, a video message was recorded by Dame Patsy and the Governor-General of Australia, General The Hon David Hurley. They encouraged the citizens of both countries to find their own way of paying homage to their forebears, and to draw strength from their example as we face our current adversities.
Dame Patsy's Anzac Address was screened on television at 11 am to coincide with the usual time of the National Commemoration at Pukeahu War Memorial Park.
Radio New Zealand re-broadcasted the 2017 National Commemoration, the first where Dame Patsy spoke as Governor-General of New Zealand.