Activities & Projects
To mark the centenary of signing the Armistice in November 1918, the Tapawera community is hosting a special weekend event for the Nelson Tasman region.
Over The Top is a theatrical insight into the lives of nine young Napier locals who enlist and their families left behind. Being performed at Napier Little Theatre on 5-6 July 2018.
The Geraldine Play Reading Group and The Geraldine Community Choir present an evening of play reading, poems, song and local Anzac stories on 22 April 2018.
The experiences of Cantabrians who served on the battlefields and those they left behind tell the story of Canterbury and the First World War. At Canterbury Museum 1 Dec 2017 - 11 Nov 2018.
World War One at Sea features the drama and tragedy of seafarers during the war, with a special emphasis on the sinking of the SS Otaki. At Ōtaki Museum from 10 March to 8 July 2017.
A monument to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of the New Zealand Shipping Company vessel SS Otaki on 10 March 1917, unveiled by the Governor General at Ōtaki College.
A service to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, at Timaru Botanic Gardens on 18 September 2016.
A website that tells the stories of the young men in Canterbury who were imprisoned for their beliefs, and the women, men and peace groups who supported them.
What happened when the Eastbourne RSA decided to publish a history of its community’s experiences of war? Find out at Petone Library on 1 September 2016.
A pop up exhibition at Renwick Community Memorial Hall on 20 and 21 August 2016, with a focus on the men from Renwick who served in the First World War.
The New Zealand Division suffered catastrophic losses on the Somme during September 1916. This talk at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum on 27 September 2016 commemorates Otago’s worst day.
An exhibition on the Somme brings to life the remarkable life and military career of Dunedin-born Lt-Col James Waddell, veteran of France's Foreign Legion.
A remembrance service at Nelson's Founders Heritage Park on the centenary of New Zealand's entry into the Battle of the Somme, 15 September 2016.
Recording and displaying Methven's First World War soldier stories in the Methven Heritage Centre during the centenary period.
Come to the Auckland Central Library on 21 September 2016 and hear the ‘futility’ argument re-examined, and the Somme’s long New Zealand shadow considered.
A small exhibition and service of remembrance to mark the centenary of the beginning of the Battle of the Somme at Remuera Rackets Club, Auckland, on 1 July 2016.
A multi-media living history presentation telling the story of soldiers from the district that served at The Somme. Several performances at Motueka District Museum over 5-6 April 2016.
An exhibition illustrating the building of Kaitaia's First World War memorial and the later relocation. Held at Kiwi North Museum, Kaitaia, from 1 May - 1 July 2016.
A service of gratitude at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseilles to commemorate the centenary of the NZEF's landing in France on 11 April 1916.
As part of Taupo Public Library's 'War Stories' lecture serres on 21 April 2016, Dr Pamel Wood speaks about the sinking of HMS Marquette in the First World War.
Cynthia and Chris McKenzie reflect on their experience at Gallipoli during the centenary of the landings in this exhibition at Devonport's Depot Space from 9-27 April 2016.
Keith Garwood will talk about his research into local soldiers who served and died in the First World War, at the Petone Community Library on 23 April 2016.
A re-enactment of the Kaikoura Mounted Riders leaving to join the Canterbury Mounted Rifles contingent at Kaikoura's Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April 2016.
Hear author Andrew Francis speak about the fascinating research that went into 'That Dear Little Home in the Bay', at the Petone Community Library on 9 April 2016.
CHB Settlers Museum's 2016 exhibition focuses on 100 years since the Battle of the Somme, and the 42 local boys lost in 1916. The exhibition runs from 13 March 2016 - 13 March 2017.
The role of Tairāwhiti women who served overseas in the First World War is the focus of this public lecture at the Tairāwhiti Museum on 25 April 2016.
To mark the centenary year of the Battle of the Somme, a commemorative tree will be planted in the Matata Rest Area on 5 March 2016.
This exhibition has a focus on the men from Blenheim who served in the First World War, and local Marlborough context of the day. Held at Bookworld, Blenheim, 12-14 February 2016.
On Tuesday 23 February 2016 heritage writer Ian Collins will give a talk at the Ashburton Gallery on ‘The Fortunes of War: The military careers of two Canterbury First World War soldiers'
In mid-June 2016 the people of the Brightlingsea, Essex, pay tribute to the 10,000 ANZAC troops who trained in the town during the First World War.
An exhibition of Laurence Aberhart's photographs of First World War memorials in New Zealand and Australia, Ashburton Art Gallery, 30 January - 27 March 2016.
Sonic Wells for Gallipoli is an art project which symbolises the special relationship of mutual respect between New Zealand, Australia and Turkey. Live all day from 23 April to 22 July 2016.
A programme of commemorative events surround the unveiling of the New Zealand Tunnelling Company memorial dedication in Waihi's Gilmour Reserve on 22 January 2015.
A regimental mess-themed luncheon at Featherston Anzac on 24 January 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the opening of the Featherston Military Training Camp.
From 11 November - 2 December 2015, over 860 light poles will cover Wellington's Appleton Park, lighting up in the wind, and representing Wellingtonians who lost their lives at Gallipoli.
The Nelson Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists has indexed the names of people cited in the Nelson Anglican archives who were associated with First World War activities.
An Armistice Day commemorative service at the Cenotaph, followed by the launch of the street-naming initiative 'Poppy Places' at the Central Library on 11 November 2015.
Kae Lewis explores the continuing connections of Thames and New Zealand to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium. At The Treasury on 19 November 2015.
Obtainment of Conservation Plan/Condition Report for the repair and preservation of The Shrine World War One Memorial situated at Christchurch Boys' High School.
Come to Auckland War Memorial Museum on 11 november 2015 and take time to remember those who served, those who are currently serving and those who have given their lives in military service.
Remember some of those who signed up to serve in the First World War, died in the Wellington area, and were buried in the Services Section of Karori Cemetery. Tour on 11 November 2015.
Four murals of the "Fields of Remembrance" banners have been externally mounted on a wall at the Ngaruawahia RSA to honour the men and women of Ngaurawahia who served in the First World War
Gallipoli, From Tauranga to the Trenches is the second exhibition from the Tauranga Heritage Collection commemorating the First World War.
A Marquette Angel is the latest From Tauranga to the Trenches exhibition, a mobile series commemorating the centenary of the First World War.
A collection of stories about men from Porirua district who served overseas. There will be 200 First World War stories, including men who enlisted from the Porirua Mental Hospital.
Commemorative ceremonies and the unveiling of two new cenotaphs on Niue to mark the island's contribution to New Zealand's war effort.
A self-drive guide available in Christchurch on 24 October 2015 locates memorials commemorating the nurses who drowned on the Marquette in 1915.
Porirua's PATAKA Art + Museum hosts Laurence Aberhart's extensive series of photographs of First World War memorials between 11 September and 15 November 2015.
This exhibition at Dunedin's Otago Museum telling the story of three local nurses as they care for wounded soldiers during the Great War. Runs from 1 October 2015 - 31 January 2016.
A display of photographs, mementos and copies of military histories of the men from the Pukekohe East School and District who fought in the First World War. In Pukekohe from 10-11 October 2015.
Andrew Francis presents at talk about the Taumaru Military Convalescent Home in Lowry Bay, at the Eastbourne Community Library on 5 September 2015.
Keith Garwood shares his mapping work identifying the homes of Lower Hutt residents who served in the First World War. At Lower Hutt War Memorial Library, 9 September 2015.
An open air service to commemorate Armistice Day on 11 November 2015 at the Blenheim War Memorial in Seymour Square. Everyone is welcome to attend.
A free talk at Te Puke Public Library about local man Arnold Watson who joined the Imperial Camel Corp in the First World War. This Family History Month event is held on 27 August 2015.
An exhibition featuring photos and brief histories of Marton's local soldiers who served in the First World War. On at Vahalla Cinema Complex from 18-29 August 2015.
This exhibition runs at Aratoi Museum in Masterton from 14 August - 4 October 2015. All are invited to an artist talk with its artist, Connah Podmore, on Sunday 16 August at 2 pm.
More than seventy members of 5/7 Battalion, RNZIR, will conduct a charter parade in Stratford on 8 August 2015 to mark the centenary of the Battle for Chunuk Bair.
Armistice in Cambridge commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which ended the First World War. Held at Mighty River Domain, Cambridge, on 7-8 November 2015.
Explore the First World War battlefield recollections of former Otago Museum Director H D Skinner through objects and his own words. Exhibition runs from 7 August 2015 to 31 July 2016.
Join Auckland War Memorial Museum on 8 August 2015 to commemorate the Battle of Chunuk Bair with a commemoration service, a presentation of ANZAC images, poetry, waiata and theatre.
Join the Wellington City Council and the Wellington RSA to pay tribute to the many soldiers that lost their lives on 8 August 1915 with a dawn service at the Cenotaph one hundred years on.
A commemorative concert and display to commemorate 100 years since the battle for Chunuk Bair began. At the Dannevirke Town Hall on 8 August 2015.
Dannevirke & Districts RSA are planning a Lone Pine in commemoration of Chunuk Bair, near the Cenotaph in the Dannevirke Domain on 8 August 2015.
Repainting of Whangaroa RSA building in Kaeo in its original 1925 colours
An exhibition celebrating the life of Joseph Gordon Coates, a war hero who became New Zealand's Prime Minister. At The Kauri Museum, Matakohe, from 17 October 2014 - 31 May 2016.
The South Canterbury WWOne Centenary Committee are holding a service to commemorate the battle for Hill 60 in Gallipoli at Timaru's Botanical Gardens on 23 August 2015.
A ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the planting of pohutukawas “in commemoration of the brave deeds done by our soldiers in Gallipoli” in Eastbourne, on 14 July 2015.
Thames-Coromandel District Council is developing a conservation plan for the Thames Monument, an early 1920s memorial which commemorates local soldiers who were lost in the First World War.
The national ceremony to mark the centenary of the battle for Chunuk Bair during the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign will take place on 8 August 2015 at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
Display of photographs of local servicemen and adding of two flagpoles to RSA premises.
WW100 Anzac Display showing 4000 poppies and Gallipoli and Western Front images at Coach House Museum from 24 April - 30 June 2015.
Posters and paintings looking at Manawatu preparing and returning from war. At Palmerston North's Vault Gallery from 30 April - 26 May 2015.
An Anzac Day service at the Greendale Memorial Gates, Darfield, followed by afternoon tea and a display of First World War memorabilia, on 25 April 2015.
In the lead up to commemorating Anzac Day 2015, staff from the Christchurch City Libraries have developed 'The New Brighton Boys' display. At New Brighton Library from 22 April - 31 May 2015.
Unveiling of plaque & dedication of Anzac Lone Pine planting ceremony, 8.30-10 am on 25 April 2015.
A 300 page publication listing all the fallen mentioned on memorials in the area.
An insight into the men and women from Plimmerton who served In the Eqypt/Dardanelles campaign. At Emerging Light Gallery, 24 April - 8 May 2015.
The Rotorua District Field of Remembrance will be installed in Government Gardens between 23 - 28 April 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings by ANZAC troops.
Telling the stories of Hawke’s Bay First World War participants in NZ and overseas. MTG Hawke's Bay's First World War exhibition opens in Napier on 18 April 2015.
Papatoetoe Historical Society presents this free exhibition showcasing Papatoetoe's extensive military history and war memorabilia at Youthline Manukau Centre, 20 April - 9 May 2015
Barge journeys around historic sites in Whangaroa Harbour will be available between 10 and 2 on Thursday 23 April 2015.
Hear Sean Brosnahan talk about the disastrous attack on 2-3 May 1915 that destroyed the Otago Battalion as a fighting unit just a week into the Gallipoli campaign. At Toitū on 3 May 2015.
This free booklet features a heritage trail visiting 22 places that provide insight into Wellington’s participation in the war and includes a map illustrating WWI parade and procession routes.
An exhibition of items from Tairāwhiti Museum's collection with relevance to the First World War and to the Gisborne-East Coast region. From 24 April - 14 June 2015.
An Anzac service at Wellington's Roseneath street memorial at 10 am on 25 April 2015, followed by a concert at Roseneath Longhall.
In the lead up to commemorating Anzac Day 2015, an exhibition has been installed on the mezzanine floor of the Christchurch City Council Civic building. The exhibition runs from 2-30 March 2015.
A special commemoration service for our community run by students and staff on Friday 24th April at 9:30am.
Commemorating the march that 60,000 of New Zealand's First World War troops made over the Rimutakas from Featherston Camp to Upper Hutt with a re-enactment march and a memorial.
The North Otago Museum is developing an online resource linking information on North Otago Memorial Oaks with the Cenotaph database and information from the Waitaki District Archives.
