In front of a crowd gathered at Tamatekapua in Rotorua, Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi's family welcomed back a treasured family heirloom.
However, it's not here for long.
A tradition which started in 2011, in an agreement between the Defence Force and Lance Sergeant Manahi's family, the sword is to be carried by the next Chief of the NZ Defence Force.
The sword was first presented to the Chief of the NZ Defence Force, Lieutenant General Richard Rhys Jones, in February, 2011 after his three-year term began on January 24, 2011.
Since his time in the position has come to an end, the sword will be held in Rotorua for safe keeping.
The sword will be passed on to the next Chief of the NZ Defence Force later this year.