Stemming from World War II, New Zealand forces fought alongside the Greeks in continental Greece and Crete since then, Greece has claimed a special relationship with New Zealand.

An under-equipped force made-up of largely New Zealand, Australian, British and Greek troops fought to protect the island from invasion.

The invasion of Crete by German paratroops began on 20 May 1941 and ended seven days later with the evacuation of 16,500 Commonwealth troops.

[2] Prime Minister Helen Clark led a large party from New Zealand to Crete in May 2001 to attend the 60th anniversary of the battle.

[citation needed] The war was followed by a modest wave of Greek emigration to New Zealand.