The name of a soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan has been added to his town's roll of honour.

Rory Malone was just 26 when he was shot by insurgents in Baghak in 2012.

He had just carried his wounded commanding officer to safety when he was fatally shot in the chest.

Minister for Veterans Chris Penk said there was a good turnout to honour him at his home town of Riverhead, Auckland.

"A few people from the local community who were aware the event was taking place, other veterans across Auckland, the Point Chevalier RSA were in attendance along with others who are interested in seeing his service isn't forgotten - so it was a really special tribute to the young man to see the turnout today."

Penk said it was important to hold such events, even when it's a few years since the tragedy happened.

"It's a relatively recent past compared to the First World War of course, which of course gave its name to Anzac Day in terms of the Gallipoli campaign but sadly, it's the case that our men and women continue to serve in the line of danger and the line of duty, and it's sadly the case that the ultimate sacrifice continues to be paid on occasion.

"So on Anzac Day coming up soon, I hope that when we say the words, we will remember them, that it's meaningful in terms of the contemporary generation as well as those who have gone before."

Malone was part of the New Zealand provincial reconstruction team and in 2015 he was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Medal for his selfless sacrifice.