Activities & Projects
Matariki Tu Rākau supports communities around New Zeland to plant trees together, creating living memorials 100 years after the First World War. Part of the One Billion Trees Programme.
In 1915, 160 Niuean men joined the NZEF as part of the Maori Reinforcements and set sail to Auckland and then Egypt and France. This updated book describing their experience was published mid-2018.
The Maheno District (North Otago) will be unveiling a memorial commemorating HMHS Maheno and her valuable contribution to the First World War on Armistice Day (11 Nov 2018).
100 portraits of New Zealand's very own Berry Boys along with vintage posters and photographs and artworks of war times will be displayed on mobile screens around the world.
I Died in Hell, Passchendaele tells the story of Carl Jordan using his own words and those of his friends and gives an insight into what these men endured.
Hear a talk by Yale's Professor Jay Winter exploring the ‘Kodak revolution’ of WW1 and the trail of unofficial photography that ensued. Te Papa, Wellington, 25 Nov 2017, 7pm.
The Olympic Harrier Club still holds an annual race to remember club members who died in the First World War.
Preserving and showcasing the photographs taken by Samuel Hurst Seager, architect of New Zealand’s First World War battlefield memorials in France, Belgium and Turkey.
New Zealand's tunnellers are the focus of the Pick and Shovel Men exhibition at Masonic Park, Tauranga, from 20 April to 20 May 2017. Part of the From Tauranga to the Trenches exhibition series.
A conference organised by the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies and the Labour History Project to be held at Rutherford House, Wellington, 31 Aug-2 Sep 2017.
Screenings of the Gallipoli animated film "25 April" at Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision in Wellington from 19-29 April 2017.
Screenings of "For King & Country: New Zealand's First World War on Film" at Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision in Wellington from 22 to 27 April 2017.
The Somme: From Tauranga to the Trenches is the latest First World War exhibition from the Tauranga Heritage Collection. It reveals the connection Tauranga has to "that terrible battle".
Te Hokowhitu a Tu - Maori Pioneers is an exhibit that commemorates the exploits of the Maori Battalion during the First World War.
The Linking Bridges project aims to build links between two bridges and their communities: Kaiparoro war memorial bridge, Wairarapa and the Bridge Creek memorial bridge at Brooweena, Queensland.
Published for the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, a major First World War history told for the first time from the British and German perspectives.
Focusing on life ‘at home’ during the First World War, the Home Front exhibition explores how events half a world away shaped lives at home. From 26 February - 13 November 2016.
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.
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.
Women of Empire 1914-1918 draws on the personal experiences of New Zealand women during the First World War. Join an exhibition floor talk at The Nelson Provincial Museum on 1 February 2016.
A yearlong project completed as part of Outram School’s Allen Centre extension programme had students creating a precise three-dimensional diorama of the Anzac Cove landscape throughout 2015.
Gallipoli, From Tauranga to the Trenches is the second exhibition from the Tauranga Heritage Collection commemorating the First World War.
A digital roll sourced from the Online Cenotaph containing the names and details of Māori and Pacific Islanders who served in the First World War.
An illustrated presentation looking at the experiences of the hundreds of thousands of Germany's First World War prisoners of war, at Auckland's Central City Library, 4 November 2015.
Taki Rua Productions presents the world premiere of All Our Sons, a ground-breaking First World War play by Witi Ihimaera, at Circa Theatre, Wellington, between 6-14 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.
The Great War Exhibition hosts Belgian historian Charlotte Descamps, who will speak about the 'iron harvests' of First World War debris. Held in Wellington on 30 September 2015.
Author Phil Beattie will talk about the Onward Project and how he has obtained photographs and information about First World War soldiers. At the West Auckland Research Center, 8 September 2015.
A project to research the stories of First World War pacifist women and men in Canterbury, which will also organise several plays about Austrian First World War pacifist Bertha von Suttner.
How did the First World War redraw the world map? Visiting historian Dr Jörn Leonhard brings a global perspective to University of Auckland's centennial commemorations on 28 August 2015.
How did the First World War redraw the world map? Visiting historian Dr Jörn Leonhard brings a global perspective to Te Papa’s centennial commemorations on 27 August 2015.
A play based on the prolific First World War fundraiser Helena Barnard, performed by St Mary's Diocesan School students. At The Castle, Stratford, from 11-13 August 2015.
An interactive and multi-sensory exhibition commemorating the First World War. The exhibit will be mobile with capacity to be transported throughout the Western Bay of Plenty sub region.
Join the Garden Place Library in Hamilton for a series of talks on various aspects of the Home Front in the Waikato during the First World War, between 6 August and 10 September 2015.
The Minister of Veterans' Affairs, Hon. Craig Foss is sponsoring a competition for year 13 students attending a secondary school in New Zealand.
Dr Fenton will discuss the history of the First World War using imagery from his book, at TSB Theatre in New Plymouth on 29 August 2015 as part of the Taranaki International Arts Festival.
Window Into WW1 is about showcasing and preserving the First World War heritage of the Manawatu through digitisation and online exhibitions.
In this talk on 20 August 2015, three National Library staff members talk about the some of the acquaintances they have made in the course of their research on the First World War.
A lecture about George von Zedlitz, whose tenure at Victoria University was greatly affected by xenophobia during the First World War. Part of the Capital 150 celebrations, 11 am 25 July 2015.
Anna Rogers will talk about the New Zealand's military nurses and their involvement in conflicts in the early half of the twentieth century at the South Christchurch Library on 25 July 2015.
Join an Auckland Museum Human History Educator as they shares stories of the soldier experience at Gallipoli, as told through some amazing Museum collection objects. Through July 2015.
At Napier's MTG on 5 July 2015, Professor Kay Morris Matthews will be discussing her research into woman in the First World War, with a focus on women from the East Coast and Hawke's Bay.
An illustrated talk by Professor Jean Anderson on a series of French 'patriotic' short books from between 1917-1920. At National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, 9 July 2015.
An exhibition at Papakura Museum featuring a collection of postcards, letters and diaries written to and from New Zealanders in the First World War. From 29 May - 30 November 2015.
Discover the diverse stories and perspectives of indigenous and Pacific peoples during the First World War in this panel discussion at Auckland War Memorial Museum on 23 June 2015.
To coincide with the First World War centenary commemorations, The Foundation for Peace Studies Aotearoa/NZ hosts a peace conference at AUT Auckland on 19-20 September 2015.
Students and teachers from five schools will present projects created as part of the French/NZ Shared Histories programme at Wellington's National Library on 12 June 2015.
A free history talk on 'The Dominion’s “Hun Question” - Enemy aliens and the New Zealand experience during the Great War' at Wellington's: ASB House, 3 June 2015.
Why is the Gallipoli Campaign so dear to New Zealand and Australia? A panel of historians discuss what’s real and what’s myth at Te Papa on 17 May 2015.
'The Frontline Gazette' is a unique theatrical performance by Birkenhead College students, taking place at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland, 23-24 May 2015.
A unique theatre experience at Birkenhead College from 6-9 May 2015, where audiences will be moved between a variety of scenes that form the world of the war era.
Part three in a three-part public lecture series commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. This lecture on Shakespeare in war is at Te Awamutu RSA on 16 May 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.
Part two in a three-part public lecture series commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. This lecture on the liberation of Le Quesnoy is at Te Awamutu RSA on 9 May 2015.
Part one in a three-part public lecture series commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War. This lecture on poetry, protest, and war is at Te Awamutu RSA on 2 May 2015.
On 21 April 2015, come celebrate the launch of Palmerston North City Libraries' new website dedicated to the contributions our local community and beyond made to the First World War.
Creative conversations focused on translating conflict into art at Victoria University of Wellington in April 2015.
The UCSA will be hosting an Anzac Day service on the University of Canterbury campus to enable the university community to join together to honour all of those who have served in warfare.
Ilona Rodgers and Cathie Harrop and musicians, bring to towns around the country the stories and music of New Zealand women at home and abroad during the First World War.
A special commemoration service for our community run by students and staff on Friday 24th April at 9:30am.
Discover more about Marlborough's role in the First World War at the Marlborough Provincial Museum and Archives, Blenheim, between 25 April and 3 May 2015.
Rotunda features the beautiful collision of a live brass band with the raw power of contemporary dance, timed to honour the Gallipoli landings in 1915, performed by The New Zealand Dance Company.
Inspired by a trooper's diary, this multi media production was put together by students and staff of Kapiti College. Performance at Paraparaumu's Southward Theatre, 22 April 2015.
The Great War Exhibition commemorates the very significant part that New Zealand played in the First World War. On now at Wellington's Dominion Museum Building.
This Nelson Provincial Museum exhibition presents stories of those from around Nelson who were involved in or affected by the Gallipoli campaign. From 25 April 2015 - 24 April 2016.
An exhibition of selected photographs of First World War memorials by Laurence Aberhart. Tauranga Art Gallery, 17 February - 10 May 2015.
Speakers from a variety of left groups will create a discourse on the theme of war and peace at the 17 Tory Street Art Space, Wellington, on 25 February 2015.
An exhibition at the Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum in Waipawa tells the stories of some of the local soldiers who went to the First World War. Runs from 30 January - 30 April 2015.
Three exhibitions at the National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, which present a personal picture of what it is like to be involved in conflict. Running from 30 January - 3 October 2015.
An exhibition at Mount Maunganui's Classic Flyers Museum to honour local soldiers, their families and the community. Opens Anzac Day 2015 and runs till 23 May.
This project is part of the Peace Poppy Project aimed to engage as many people from our community as possible, to share stories of remembrance and how we can retain peace for now and into the future
Palmerston North's Community Arts invites you to take part in its Anzac reflections of life at home during 1914 to 1918. At Square Edge from Friday 24 April to Monday 11 May.
A play that transports audiences aged 8-14 back to the First World War. Playing in Wellington on 20 and 21 March 2015 as part of the Capital E National Arts Festival.
From Tauranga to the Trenches mobile exhibition uses interactive technology and visual displays to tell the stories of local men who were involved in the First World War.
For Us They Fell is an exhibition about the men and women of the Waikato during the First World War, at Hamilton's Waikato Museum from 25 April 2015 to 11 November 2018. Tours are available.
A set of 'yarns' or true stories and some heroic actions by New Zealanders on Gallipoli. Opening at the Army Museum on Anzac Day 2015.
The universal story of every New Zealand solider and their preparation for battle. Exhibition at the National Army Museum from 7 November 2014 until February 2015.
A 2015 Diploma of Goldsmithing & Jewellery student project to design and make a medal with both face and obverse face commemorating New Zealand’s First World War Centenary.
A well written and beautifully researched edited collection examining the theme of endurance and the First World War in New Zealand and Australia.
The New Zealand Book Council, with support from Victoria University of Wellington, will explore the legacy of First World War literature. Tuesdays, 26 August 2014-9 September 2014.
To raise awareness of the Battle of Passchendaele, the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs is sponsoring a yearly competition for Year 13 students. Entries for 2014 close on 23 September.
Professor Hew Strachan discusses different ways of marking the centenary of the First World War. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 25 August 2014, 6 pm. Free.
100 schools will research the stories behind the people named on First World War memorials at or near their school and publish them online as Living Heritage sites.
The Troopers Tale - The History of The Otago Mounted Rifles is the complete and authorised narrative of the Otago Mounted Rifles, edited by the late Dr Don Mackay.
Lincoln University is undertaking various WW100 projects on an on-going basis through the centenary period, starting with a photograph unveiling ceremony on Monday 4 August 2014.
A lecture by Professor Sir Hew Strachan, Chichele Professor of History of War, All Souls College, Oxford. 16 October 2014, registration essential.
Events, activities and exhibitions will be happening right across the Christchurch City Libraries network throughout 2014 to 2018.
The Experience of a Lifetime: People, Personalities and Leaders in the First World War is the major international conference hosted by the Centenary History partners. Wellington, 22-24 August 2014.
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra concert that presents three pieces permeated equally with the joy of life and the experience of battle. 30 October 2014, 8 pm.
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra concert commemorating the centenary of the start of the First World War. Thursday 13 March 2014, 8 pm.
Sir Hew Strachan shares his views on the First World War. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, Palmerston North. 27 August 2014.
A web page featuring First World War stories from the Top of the South, contributed by the community and commissioned by the Prow. New stories will be added through the commemoration.
Production of the play 'Oh What a Lovely War', and creation of crosses for Timaru Boys' High School old boys who served during the First World War. 27-29 May 2014.
Exhibition of First World War memorabilia, and a biography project for schools to research an ancestor or someone from the district who served in the First World War.
The Otago Settlers Association in conjunction with Toitū Otago Settlers Museum are producing a documentary following the journey of the Otago Infantry Regiment and Mounted Rifles 1914-1919.
Creating mini video-documentaries featuring local people singing or reading pieces that recall the First World War, along with interpretive panels.
Digitisation of 'The Mataura Ensign' newspapers from 1915 to 1919.
A museum and research centre commemorating Rannerdale and Canterbury's First World War stories, archives, and research facilities.
Five Auckland schools work with the Navy Museum to create artworks exploring the New Zealand home front during the First World War.
While observing a variety of animals, students on this learning programme at Orana Wildlife Park will discuss symbolism and the effectiveness of animal imagery in First World War propaganda posters.
An original full-length play inspired by actual events during the First World War. Written by Sheri O'Neill and produced by Northland theatre group Platform Thirteen.
Raglan Museum's exhibition 'Raglan Remembers World War 1' tells the stories of 154 Raglan soldiers with interviews of descendants reading letters and diaries from the battlefields.
Mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day with the Otago Museum. 12.30pm - 2.30pm, Sunday 11 November, Otago Museum Reserve
Commemorating the First World War centenary with an emotive 8-screen video installation by French filmmaker Chris Marker, Owls at Noon Prelude: The Hollow Men (2005). 21 June-7 September 2014.
A free, site-specific multi-media project designed to remember Wellington city and her people during the First World War. From 11-18 October 2014.
A book of portraits offering an extraordinary, evocative snapshot of New Zealanders facing the First World War.
An exhibition at Lakes District Museum & Gallery about Wakatipu people in the First World War - from those who eagerly enlisted, to those who baked, knitted and raised funds for others overseas.
Salute Wairoa creates a digital, multi-media, touch table record of First World War Wairoa stories, including rediscovered memories. Unveiled at Wairoa Museum in July 2018.
Highlights the contributions made by over 50 nurses from the East Coast/Hawke's Bay region who served overseas during the First World War in Egypt, France, England and Serbia.
In commemoration of the First World War Centenary, MOTAT is celebrating the stories of the pilots who trained at the New Zealand Flying School in Auckland between 1915-19 before serving overseas.
Challenge to recreate a poster that uses historical images, maps and new photographs taken at museums and other special sites remembering those who gave their lives in the First World War.
Creating an education pack about the First World War for students years 7-10, focusing on the Canterbury region and Christchurch City Libraries resources.
An ongoing static display consisting of the First World War soldiers and nurses from the Kaipatiki community and their role in the theatre of war.
A community project knitting comforts for soldiers. Part of 'Remember to Remember' exhibition at Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History (8 August-7 September 2014).
A photographic display collated of all servicemen and women who served in the First World War from the Maniototo County, Central Otago.
On Anzac Day 2014 a guard of New Zealand Cadet Force members will be posted for a continuous 24 hours on the memorial gate at Otago Boys High School in Dunedin.
The 13th Annual Symposium of the Costume & Textile Association of New Zealand will be held at Auckland War Memorial Museum, 30-31 May 2014. The theme is 'Home Front'.
An opportunity for journalism students to take part in an intercultural learning programme around First World War historical sites. August 2014, Belgium and France.
An exhibition at Papakura Museum on the more than 10,000 horses that accompanied our soldiers to the battlefields of the First World War. August-October 2014.
Capital E National Theatre for Children's An Awfully Big Adventure explores the First World War in context and its impact on New Zealanders. Accessible to students aged 8+, touring in 2014.
A research project for Ongaonga School pupils to put detail around the 25 names listed on our village memorial.
Canterbury 100 is a collaboration co-ordinated by the region’s major cultural and heritage institutions, telling the story and experiences of Canterbury people during the First World War.
A Rotary community project to enable young people to explore and share local knowledge about the First World War.
Creating a database in the form of an MS Excel spreadsheet of about 2000 entries (numerous with similar but not identical information). Most are newly identified writers of the documents.
Pacific Islanders in the First World War: nation, nationalism and sense of belonging. An international symposium in Amiens, France, from 17 to 20 April 2014.
A local history workshop on 28 February 2014, organised by BALH and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London.
An exhibition exploring an archive of printed souvenirs donated to the Dunedin Public Library after the First World War. July-September 2014.
The Lion Foundation Season of Once on Chunuk Bair by Maurice Shadbolt, produced by Auckland Theatre Company. A classic play about the tragic battle at Gallipoli, on 12 June – 5 July 2014.
Women at the Front (working title) is a new international theatre collaboration for WW100 between Ake Ake Theatre Company NZ and Sanja Krsmanovic Tasic (Dah Teatar) Serbia. Funded by Creative NZ.
"The Line of Fire", Capt Matt Gauldie's commemorative bronze statue of Gallipoli artist, mapmaker, & Hamilton hero: Sapper Horace Moore-Jones. Unveiled 27 March 2015.
Field of Remembrance commemorative activities prior to Anzac Day in 2014.
Digitising First World War related records and the creation of a commemorative DVD. These records include; photos of soldiers and armaments, letters, postcards, and stories of soldiers who served.
The APO present a concert created by four composers who have produced new music in response to letters (held at Auckland Museum) written by NZ soldiers during the First World War. 25 May 2015.
Activities for the Whanganui area include a major exhibition, digitisation of community held records, a newsletter, art exhibitions and memorials photography.
Bulls Museum is developing a display of local people and personnel who served during the First World War.
The repatriation of film showing Kiwis at the European and home fronts held in overseas archives and the building of a shared Anzac website to showcase sounds and images of the War.
An interactive living history experience of trench warfare & life in war time at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson. Anzac weekend 2014.
Never a week goes by is an exhibition depicting the impact of the First World War on two Pacific colonies, one English and one French. Opens February 2015, and tours nationally through 2016.
An evolving five-year exhibition using real stories of real people - not heroes, but ordinary people striving to achieve in extraordinary circumstances. Opens 5 August 2014.
Creating five outdoor floral carpets to commemorate the First World War in Whangarei. Unveiled February 2014.
Enjoy music and poetry in a concert that commemorates the centenary of the First World War. 24 July 2014, Auckland Town Hall.
An Inquiry class for Year 10 students. The students will be encouraged to research and create a project on an aspect of the First World War.
An exhibition of 60 watercolours, prints and sketches by NZ servicemen and official war artists with 250 contemporary watercolours by members of Watercolour New Zealand. Opens 18 April 2015.
A joint digitisation project between Auckland War Memorial Museum and Dunedin Public Libraries has led to a significant collection of New Zealand First World War troopship magazines online.
Once on Chunuk Bair by Maurice Shadbolt will be performed at Riverlea Theatre, Riverlea Road, Hamilton from April 25 to May 1 2015.
To place the Anzac poppy flower head on the places such as roads and facilities that are named after wartime activities or people.
Auckland Libraries has developed a research guide, which outlines the First World War resources available at Auckland Libraries and Auckland Council Archives.
The Douai Hockey Club and Le Coquelicot - Following their Footsteps are jointly organising a U15 international youth hockey tournament to mark the First World War centenary.
Researching and documenting local involvement in the First World War to enrich the Coromandel Heritage Trust's existing website.
Creating an "Avenue of Remembrance" with a tree for each local fallen First World War soldier, grown from the seeds of the Gallipoli Oak Tree planted in the centre of Christchurch.
An online Research Guide that helps unlock the rich First World War content in the Alexander Turnbull Library - especially digital resources.
We intend to invite schools to visit and meet some of our returned and older members in our clubrooms, to see our photos and memorabilia, and to visit our museum.
Maps locating cemeteries which include graves or memorials for members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force who died during the First World War.
This project is dedicated to re-examining the 'slanguage' given voice in the First World War, e.g. in troop magazines, as brought home to New Zealand and carried forward 100 years later.
An on-line project to commemorate Southland’s role in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915, and to honour the memory of all who served. Launched 4 July 2014.
An evolving collection offering onscreen remembrance of New Zealand and the 'Great War': classic full-length documentaries, short films, dramas and archive newsreels.
The Gibson Group, with funding from New Zealand on Air, has produced a First World War documentary series to mark the centenary of the war in 2014. On Prime, June-July 2014.
The Onward Project aims to publish a photograph of every member of the NZEF who served overseas during the First World War, as a memorial to their service.
A 2-day event at Karapiro to commemorate the end of the First World War. 10-11 November, 2018, see famous battle re-enactments, restored military vehicles, militaria for sale.
A personal quest to show 100 postcards portraying New Zealand and her people during the First World War.
History from the perspective of New Zealanders who experienced it. Daily tweets from diaries, letters, newspapers... shared 100 years later in 'real-time'. Join in!
A project to place images and brief information boards about Lower Hutt WW1 soldiers/heroes in locations closest to their residential address at their time of signing up.
Short films telling personal stories about New Zealanders affected by the First World War.
A website which allowed visitors to follow the historic 1913 cruise of the battleship HMS New Zealand online in "real-time". Decommissioned in 2014.
Collecting the wartime reading experiences of New Zealanders at home and abroad for the New Zealand Reading Experience Database (NZ-RED).
The redeveloped Cenotaph database, Online Cenotaph, includes a page about every New Zealand soldier who served in the First World War.
A centre for learning in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Buckle St, Wellington.
New Zealand’s most comprehensive online resource on New Zealand and the First World War. Redesigned in August 2014.
The first of its kind for New Zealand – New Zealand and the First World War by Damien Fenton – dynamically illustrates 50 key episodes of our wartime life. Launched November 2013.
The Auckland First World War Heritage Trail marks 56 sites of significance to the region's role in the First World War.
