Filtered Activities
Distinguished historian Christopher Pugsley charts the New Zealand Division’s last and most successful First World War action in an authoritative and highly illustrated book.
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).
Take an in-depth look at the stories behind five of the Carillon bells dedicated by Wellingtonians in memory of those who died in the First World War.
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.
Explore the story of Charles Southey, who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery following the Battle of Passchendaele.
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.
'Tauranga 1918' is a reminder that as the First World War continued to rage, Tauranga residents could do nothing but grieve and carry on.
Exhibition of 44 embroidered panels telling some of the moving personal stories of Kiwi soldiers, nurses and doctors welcomed in the community at Hospital No 2 Walton on Thames between 1915 and 1920
This exhibition at papakura Museum looks at how the First World War changed everyday life in New Zealand. From 12 March to 21 December 2018.
Journey's End, a play by Passchendaele playwright R C Sherriff based on his experience in the trenches, is showing in Ypres, Belgium in a recreated bunker from 10 October to 12 November 2018.
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.
Retired Belgian judge Dominique Cooreman unearthed an almost forgotten battle in Belgium, where more than 1000 NZ soldiers were killed between mid-June to the end of August 1917.
Since writing you last... features the letters of four Southland First World War soldiers. Over 1700 pages from 307 letters have been digitised, transcribed, and made available to the public.
Post to the Past aims to individually commemorate all the NZ soldiers who fell in the battle of Messines (Belgium). Participants are asked to leave a personal message for 'their' kiwi.
Under the French city of Arras, New Zealand and French surveyors are using laser scanning technology to capture, honour, and preserve the incredible work of the NZ Engineers Tunnelling Company.
In this workshop, you'll get an overview of the Measuring the ANZACs project and an introduction to its use in teaching NZ history and social studies. At Wellington High School on 22 July 2016.
St Peter's College and College Jacques Monod, France, will commemorate the beginning of the Western Front war with readings from letters, poetry, and singing. 1 July 2016, 11 am-12 pm.
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.
Join a free lecture with author Jennifer Haworth on the story of the First World War commissioned war artists, at Waikato Museum on 11 May 2016.
This new book commemorates the day when fighting stopped in 1918 and looks at what happened next. Partnered with best-selling Anzac Day, it makes an excellent reference for the whole family.
Special tours focusing on historic events relating to Parliament during the First World War.
As part of the Auckland Writers Festival, author and publisher Jenny Harworth looks at New Zealand's First World War artists. At Auckland Art Gallery on 15 May 2016.
Measuring the ANZACs is a "crowd-sourced" transcription of all New Zealand soldiers' records from the First World War. Please visit the website and contribute today.
A 70-minute film programme which shows New Zealand’s experience of the First World War.
An edited letter collection based on those written between Trish Macky's great grandparents, culminating in the Lusitania disaster of May 1915.
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.
What was it like to be a first-generation German-Kiwi serving in the NZEF during the First World War? Find out at Palmerston North Public Library on 5 November 2015.
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.
St Margaret’s College students present a dramatised story of the nurses on the ill-fated ship, the Marquette. Held at the Charles Luney Auditorium, Christchurch, from 22-23 October 2015.
Professor Glyn Harper talks about the make-up of the NZ soldier in the First World War; who they were and where they came from. At Te Manawa in Palmerston North, 15 October 2015.
The Australian War Memorial commissioned five Australian and five NZ artists to explore the Anzac legacy and commemoration in a contemporary context. The portfolio was launched in 2016.
On 24 September 2015, the National Library hosts a talk by Dr Mark Sheehan on how young people are seldom encouraged to think critically about what Gallipoli means to them nowadays.
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.
Personal stories told by family about the soldiers and nurses who served in the First World War, collected alongside performances of the play Sister Anzac.
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.
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.
Window Into WW1 is about showcasing and preserving the First World War heritage of the Manawatu through digitisation and online exhibitions.
Display of photographs of local servicemen and adding of two flagpoles to RSA premises.
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.
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.
A commemorative tour organised by nurse historian Clare Ashton in Sept '15 from Athens to Istanbul to remember NZ's First World War nurses who cared for casualties of the Gallipoli Campaign.
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.
A 300 page publication listing all the fallen mentioned on memorials in the area.
Author and illustrator Michelle O'Connell will visit Fernridge, Douglas Park and Lakeview School to read her book, Leaving for The Front and to make poppy wreaths for Anzac Day with each class.
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.
This exhibition at PATAKA honours the memories of those from the Porirua area who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey between April and December 1915. Exhibition runs from April-3 May 2015.
A series of ‘making of’ videos released around the opening of the Gallipoli: The scale of our war exhibition at Te Papa on 18 April 2015.
Launch of the book 'Tales of Three Campaigns', originally written after the First World War by Col. Cyprian Bridge Brereton. The launch will take place at Nelson College on 8 April 2015.
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.
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.
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.
A display organised by the Wellington Southern Bays Historical Society and four local primary schools. The display will be held in the Island Bay Community Centre from 28 April to 2 May 2015.
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.
Themes, to: remember all the casualties of war and war resisters; end war as a response to conflict, and promote peace. Stage 1: local peace vigils Stage 2: thematic resources and events
Exploring the impact of the First World War on the lives on children, and the expectations placed on them by the adult world. At Wellington's Turnbull Gallery 24 Nov 2014 - 27 Feb 2015.
'Christmas Truce: Football Remembers' is a 5-a-side Futsal tournament, for 12 to 13 year olds, held on 10 December at the ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie, Wellington.
Maheno School Year 7 & 8 students are travelling to Fraser Island to the wreck site of the NZ hospital ship Maheno for Anzac Day 2015 commemorations.
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.
An exhibition at the National Army Museum focusing on New Zealand's support of the Empire and entry into the First World War. Runs from 29 August 2014 – end of January 2015.
With assistance from the general public of New Zealand, we are aiming to produce one hand crafted poppy for each serviceman and woman lost by our nation in WWI. That is 18,166 poppies!
LEARNZ media is creating four virtual field trips that show the progress of construction of the National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
A well written and beautifully researched edited collection examining the theme of endurance and the First World War in New Zealand and Australia.
An education expo profiling First World War resources and learning programmes on offer for WW100. For primary and secondary teachers. Te Papa, 6 September 2014.
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.
First World War inquiry guides and resource packs for teachers of years 1-13, made available on the Ministry of Education’s portal for educators, tki.org.nz.
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.
An illustrated history of New Zealand’s war experience, by Kirstie Ross and Kate Hunter. Published by Te Papa Press, August 2014.
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.
The Walking With An Anzac Tumblr supports New Zealand students and their teachers to tell the stories of First World War Soldiers from their local community.
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.
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.
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.
Jan Bolwell's solo play about her grandfather's experiences on the Western Front during the First World War.
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.
'Entangled Islands' is the first in a series of exhibitions at Auckland War Memorial Museum about the New Zealand war experience over the centenary period. 19 June 2014-1 February 2015.
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.
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.
This exhibition tells of a province at war and will trace the deep and lasting impact of the First World War on the region. Opens at New Plymouth's Puke Ariki 17 April 2015.
Construction of a new memorial to New Zealand First World War Tunnellers in Waihi. Officially dedicated by the Governor-General on 22 January 2016.
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.
A blog which focuses partly on the memoirs and books written by New Zealanders such as O E Burton, Robin Hyde, John A Lee and Archibald Baxter.
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.
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.
The Eastern Institute of Technology and Flinders University, Australia, are researching women teachers as volunteers in Egypt and Europe and those who kept schools open at home.
A Rotary community project to enable young people to explore and share local knowledge about the First World War.
Music for the 2014 season, influenced by acts of human violence throughout history; each a moving tribute to our humanity. Features Górecki’s sorrowful 3rd symphony. 2-3 May 2014.
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.
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.
A First World War commemorative space and development of a First World War resource centre at Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Devonport – opened on 5 March 2015.
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.
An interactive living history experience of trench warfare & life in war time at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson. Anzac weekend 2014.
Enjoy music and poetry in a concert that commemorates the centenary of the First World War. 24 July 2014, Auckland Town Hall.
A database of all Westland people who served during the First World War to support commemorations of Westland's role in the war, developed by Hokitika Museum.
A visual arts exhibition by artist Rebecca Holden acknowledging the role of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles in the Middle East.
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.
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.
A blog for reviews of books on war written for children: stories that we need to remember, and should never forget.
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.
A student-based conference to be held at Christ's College, Canterbury, 9 May 2014; to help students understand the significance of the sacrifice made during the Great War.
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.
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.
An evolving collection offering onscreen remembrance of New Zealand and the 'Great War': classic full-length documentaries, short films, dramas and archive newsreels.
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.
An online resource telling a modern and accessible story about the New Zealand Division's role at the Western Front.
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.
