Monumental – Understanding New Zealand's First World War memorials

A crowd floods over Mount Cook, Wellington, during the dedication of the National War Memorial and the Carillon bells inside, on Anzac Day 1932. Image courtesy of Alexander Turnbull Library, Ref: 1/1-020293-G

Once the guns fell silent on 11 November 1918, communities went to monumental lengths to remember those who had served and died in the First World War. WW100 New Zealand has put together some resources to help you discover the history and significance of the 500 or so memorials that still cover our landscape.

New Zealand's 500 First World War memorials

Watch Jock Phillips' interview

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• There are over 500 First World War memorials scattered across the country, in almost every community. Why did New Zealanders go to such monumental lengths to create them?

Memories inscribed in stone

Watch Steve Watters' interview

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• What can a memorial's inscription and list of names tell us about New Zealand communities 100 years ago?

A Community Effort

Watch Ashley Mackenzie-White's interview

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• Did you know that almost all of New Zealand's First World War memorials were paid for by local communities, schools and work places?

Links and resources

• NZHistory has a wealth of material on New Zealand's First World War memorials, including a memorials register with a map pinpointing the location of over 1000 memorials, and a guide to interpreting First World War memorials
• Found a memorial in your area? You can look up the names of the soldiers and nurses listed using Auckland War Memorial Museum's Online Cenotaph