Seventy-five years ago, New Zealand played a pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany in a land battle for the first time, changing the outcome of World War II.

Today, the explosive remains from that battle are still being used in conflict, by the so-called Islamic State.

And if you're familiar with Kiwi Taika Waititi's cult film Boy, you'll unwittingly know this battle's name already - El Alamein.

The engagement in North Africa, known as the Second Battle of El Alamein, occurred in the deserts of Egypt in 1942, pitting the Axis forces of Nazi Germany and Italy against Britain and its allies, which included New Zealand.

"If the British had lost that battle, it would have set back the war effort considerably, there was already considerable doubt about whether the Allies could actually beat a German army in the field," Military historian Glyn Harper told Newshub.

The New Zealanders were an elite fighting force within the British Army and Professor Harper says the Germans were especially wary of them.

"The 2nd New Zealand Division was identified by the Germans as the best formation within the British Eighth Army."