Activities & Projects
To mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, there will be a history display at the Hataitai Bowling Club on 11 November 2018.
The motor launch Nautilus, carried by Merchant Navy hospital ship NZHTS Marama during WWI, will be making three special sailings on Armistice Day, 11 November 2018.
The 1918 Influenza Project is holding two days to commemorate and remember Wellington's victims of the Influenza Pandemic. At Karori Cemetery, 18 and 25 November 2018.
Join Jeffrey Russell as we follow 4 soldiers in the NZ Mounted Rifles during the Battle of Ayun Kara using letters, diaries and official histories. Lower Hutt Libraries in November 2018.
A film and panel talk at Te Papa on 10 November 2018 exploring the effects of the 1918 influenza outbreak in New Zealand and Sāmoa.
Curator Seán Brosnahan traces the experiences of the Otago battalions through 1918 to commemorate Armistice Day at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, 10 November 2018.
Mark Armistice Day and remember “her story”, women’s experiences of the First World War with Fiona Baverstock, collector and social historian, at Waikato Museum on 10 November 2018.
Terry Kinloch's comprehensive biography of General Sir Alexander Godley, presenting for the first time a fair and balanced look at his time as commander of the NZEF. Published in November 2018.
Hear Professor Glyn Harper talk about the liberation of the French town of Le Quesnoy and the NZ Division's occupation of Germany at Te Manawa, Palmerston North, on 8 November 2018.
Using the art of storytelling, eight writers and thinkers voice their thoughts and reflections on Armistice Day. At National Library of New Zealand, 11 November 2018.
In a Featherston Booktown event to mark the centenary of the Armistice, a panel of leading historians will discuss the significance of the year 1918. Kiwi Hall, 11 November 2018.
An exhibition that tells the story of the end of the war in a new light: what was it like for those who lived after the fighting stopped? At Alexander Turnbull Library, 10 Sep - 1 Dec 2018.
Historian Anna Rogers' print history on the hundreds of doctors, nurses, stretcher-bearers and other medical service personnel who cared for the sick and wounded in the war. Due out November 2018
Hear local historian Lesley Wilson talk about her recent overseas travels to France, Belgium, Egypt, and Turkey to research Albany locals at war. At Albany War Memorial Library on 3 October 2018.
Join Jeffrey Russell to follow the stories of three women from Lower Hutt concentrating on their lives overseas during the First World War. At Naenae Community Library, 26 September 2018.
Join The Great War Exhibition team to hear three talks on the lesser known New Zealand experiences of the First World War on 25 October 2018.
1.00pm on Armistice Day, 11 November 2018, there will be a public talk in the Services section of Karori Cemetery (Wellington). The event will last 45-60 minutes and is free for anyone to attend.
Commemorating the influenza pandemic of 1918, hear four historians speak and give their accounts of what happened. At Auckland Central Library, 3 October 2018.
The End of the War? exhibition in Wellington looks at the war-time experiences of nine people and the century-long impact of their experiences. At the Great War Exhibition, 26 July - 30 Nov 2018.
A publication telling the little-known story from the end of the war when New Zealand troops cut a giant Kiwi into the chalk hill behind Bulford camp, England. Published in 2018.
Presentation at Palmerston North's Te Manawa by Major General (Retd.) Rhys Jones on the battles of manoeuvre that blunted the German attacks during the Great War. 10 May 2018.
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.
In this talk, Professor Gary Sheffield explains why, after three years of deadlock, 1918 was decisive, and the Allies emerged victorious. At Palmerston North Central Library, 3 May 2018.
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.
Sandra Coney will discuss some of the stories from her new book "Gone West: Great War memorials of Waitakere and their soldiers" at Titirangi Library on 24 February 2018.
Food Glorious Food takes your away from the trenches and into the cook houses of the New Zealand Division during the First World War. National Army Museum, Waiōuru, 16 December 2016 - 30 April 2018.
Christopher Pugsley's new book, The Camera in the Crowd, explores film's early days in New Zealand, from its introduction in the late 1800s, to the role it played in WW1.
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.
In Good-Bye Maoriland, author Chris Bourkes illustrates the centrality of music to New Zealand’s experience of the First World War. Published by Potton & Burton in October 2017.
Freddy Declerck, expert on Passchendaele, will talk about the five battles in Flanders including the toll of the First World War at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, 23 September 2017, 2pm.
Two series of flags have been created to commemorate and remember New Zealand’s role on the Western Front and to celebrate New Zealand’s ongoing relationship with France and Belgium.
Following Anzac Day, historians give their perspectives on the First World War, with an emphasis on events in 1917. At Te Papa, on 26 April 2017.
This new publication by Professor Kay Morris Matthews and co-published by Tairawhiti Museum and EIT is about making visible the work that NZ women undertook overseas during the First World War.
The Exhibition features forgotten Kiwi songs from the war and tells the stories of the writers and composers. At Blenheim's Millennium Public Art Gallery, 3 February to 19 March 2017.
The history of the Pacific Islanders who served in the New Zealand Army in the First World War. Written by Howard Weddell, and published in 2016.
On 12 October 2016, as part of Seniors Week, join a tour focusing on the people and historic events relating to Parliament during the First World War
A public talk on the history of Waikumete Cemetery's general military section since 1918 with Lisa Truttman at Auckland Central City Library on 28 September 2016.
We've created a series animated videos to explore some of the more curious aspects of New Zealand's First World War experience. Released periodically over 2016-17.
This presentation at the Marlborough Convention Centre on 25 September 2016 will be given by New Zealand Defence Force historian Matthew Buck.
Dr Ian McGibbon will speak at a lunchtime Public History Talk on 7 September 2016 on his forthcoming publication, New Zealand's Western Front Campaign.
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.
Special commemorative event in collaboration with Massey University, featuring Ashley Ekins, Australian War Memorial military historian, at Palmerston North Central Library on 8 August 2016.
An animated film to be shown on Wellington Museum's unique vertically-formatted Tall Screen.
Recording and displaying Methven's First World War soldier stories in the Methven Heritage Centre during the centenary period.
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.
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 book detailing the joint project between New Zealand, Australia and Turkey that has produced the first comprehensive archaeological and historical survey of the Anzac battlefield at Gallipoli.
The New Zealand Branch of the Western Front Association's talk on 26 June 2016 looks at Armentieres one hundred years ago. Held at the Observation Post in Castor Bay, Auckland.
Publication of The Anzac Experience: New Zealand, Australia and Empire in the First World War, by Christopher Pugsley.
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.
A collection of pieces focusing on the people, personalities and leaders in the First World War. Published by Massey University Press in April 2016.
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.
Special tours focusing on historic events relating to Parliament during the First World War.
Historian Steve Watters investigates the reaction to the introduction of conscription in New Zealand in this lecture at Whanganui's Davis Theatre on 19 April 2016.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chinese Anzacs: Australians of Chinese Descent in the Defence Forces 1885-1919 - Second Edition revised to include New Zealand-born Chinese of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 1914-1919.
In a lecture titled 'You get a feed there', Mark Houlahan speaks on Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary and in commemoration of the First World War. In Hamilton on 23 April 2016.
In March 2016, Peter Kennedy presents a lecture series on New Zealand’s involvement on the Western Front in Mosgiel, Gore, Christchurch and Auckland.
A talk given by Dr Azer Banu Kemaloglu and Dr Ian McGibbon looks at the recollections of ordinary soldiers from Turkey and the Allies at Gallipoli, held in Wellington on 12 February 2016.
On 23 February 2016 Vietnam veteran and historian Bill Barnes will speak on the origins of the First World War and New Zealand’s involvement at Ashburton Art Gallery.
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.
On 14 November 2015, as part of the Waiheke Literary Festival, historian Christopher Pugsley and Dr Mary Paul join publisher Jeremy Shylock to discuss issues related to writing about war.
Gallipoli, From Tauranga to the Trenches is the second exhibition from the Tauranga Heritage Collection commemorating the First World War.
An illustrated talk about NZ Army Nurses and the sinking of the troop/transport ship Marquette during the First World War. At Hunters Corner Town Centre, 20 October 2015.
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.
Listen to stories of rugby in the First World War told by Clive Akers, Evan Torrance and Geoff Watson at Te Manawa Museum, Palmerston North, on 11 November 2015.
A discussion on the history of the Passchendaele memorial locomotive, AB608, its relevance to the war and the contribution NZ Railways made to the war effort. At Toitū on 26 October 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.
Jude Turner will host a talk about the history of the nurses lost when the Marquette sank in 1915 in the Nurses’ Memorial Chapel Garden at Christchurch Hospital on 25 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professor Glynn Harper, a military historian, will hold a public talk at Christchurch's Central Library Peterborough on his latest book "Johnny Enzed" on 22 October 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.
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.
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.
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.
Come to a public history talk in Wellington on 5 August 2015 to hear Dr Steven Loveridge discuss ‘The dynamics of mobilisation and comprehension of New Zealand society at war’.
A talk by Dr Limin Bai about an influential Chinese scholar's re-evaluation of the West after a visit to the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, on 23 July 2015 at the National Library in Wellington.
A lunchtime talk on postal censorship in the First World War: the largest state invasion of private life in New Zealand’s history. At the National Library in Wellington on 28 July 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.
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.
The New Zealand Geographic Board’s project to research and collect the stories behind New Zealand’s First World War place names.
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.
Come and listen to this informative and interesting presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Simons, PhD, at the Palmerston North Central Library on 25 June 2015.
Discover the diverse stories and perspectives of indigenous and Pacific peoples during the First World War in this panel discussion at Te Papa on 25 June 2015.
Please join us in Wellington on 6 May 2015 to hear Imelda Bargas and Tim Shoebridge talk about their experiences writing the book New Zealand’s First World War Heritage.
Well known author Dr George Davis will talk on the origins and observance of Anzac Day. At Dunedin's Hocken Library, 13 May 2015.
This free public lecture at the National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, looks at the abundance of meanings layered upon the First World War throughout history. On 6 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.
A talk by Damon Salesa, Associate Professor of Pacific Studies at University of Auckland, on 30 April 2015 at the National Library of New Zealand, Wellington.
A display of photos and tribute pennants for local fallen Anzacs at Kaeo's Wesleydale Memorial Church, 20-24 April 2015. Powhiri and blessing on 19 April: http://goo.gl/eJ7joJ
Join us at Pataka for an evening of history making on 23 April 2015. Historians will discuss the 'Porirua Anzacs At Gallipoli' exhibition and New Zealand's WW1 heritage sites.
Come along to Palmerston North Central Library and listen to a lunchtime talk about the wartime input of New Zealand nurses serving overseas, 23 April 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.
In this talk, librarian Maureen West will examine the conditions under which prisoners of war lived during the First World War. Held at Titirangi Library, 23 April 2015.
Belinda Batley from Archives New Zealand will talk about how to access their collection of digitised NZ Defence Force Personnel Files. At Waitakere Central Library, 14 April 2015.
Chris Pugley's history of the Maori and Pacific Island role in the First World War makes a welcome return to shelves after being republished in April 2015.
Fully revised and with many new photos, Chris Pugsley's classic account of the Gallipoli Campaign was published in new NZ and UK editions.
Hear historian Glyn Harper talk about the quality of the food given to the New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli.
The Great War Exhibition commemorated the very significant part that New Zealand played in the First World War. On from 2015-2018 at Wellington's Dominion Museum Building.
The Way We Were is a series of lunchtime presentations at The Treasury in Thames. Come learn about the symbolism and history of Hauraki-Coromandel War Memorials on Monday 16 March 2015.
The Way We Were is a series of lunchtime presentations at The Treasury in Thames. Come learn about grief, memory and memorialisation from around the First World War on 19 March 2015.
Dr Kate Hunter from Victoria University uses First World War objects to illustrate the war's impact on New Zealanders at Porirua's PATAKA Art + Museum on 8 March 2015.
Come and listen to a presentation by Colonel Nick Gillard on the subject of The Somme, September-October 1916. At Palmerston North Central Library, 5 March 2015.
Creating a searchable database of information about Hawke’s Bay fallen and returned First World War servicemen, who are named on rolls of honour and memorials in the region.
A lecture by German military historian Prof. Dr Epkenhans about the First World War and the Pacific as viewed from a German perspective, on Monday 1 December at Te Papa.
The Heritage Story Map combines satellite photography of contemporary Wellington with images and stories from the First World War. View it on mobile or your browser.
A free talk at Christchurch's Air Force Museum at 2 pm on 12 October looks at the connections between horses, bicycles, the Canterbury region and the First World War.
The Homefront exhibition at Taupo Museum aims to show what life was like in the Taupo District at the time of the First World War. Runs 25 October to 18 November 2014.
A well written and beautifully researched edited collection examining the theme of endurance and the First World War in New Zealand and Australia.
Margaret Sparrow shares the life of Ettie Rout, a sexual health campaigner whose activism saw her both decorated and shunned. Gus Fisher Gallery, 19 September 2014.
British historian Sir Hew Strachan presents challenging and thought-provoking reflections on the First World War. Auckland Museum, 29 August 2014.
Professor Barbara Brookes, History and Art History, University of Otago, gives insight into New Zealand women's contribution to the First World War. Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 30 August 2014
An illustrated history of New Zealand’s war experience, by Kirstie Ross and Kate Hunter. Published by Te Papa Press, August 2014.
A lecture by Professor Sir Hew Strachan, Chichele Professor of History of War, All Souls College, Oxford. 16 October 2014, registration essential.
Jock Phillips, historian, investigates the sculptors who worked on the First World War memorials in Aberhart's photographs. Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 20 July 2014.
A web-based project, commissioned by New Zealand Post, highlighting the vital role played by New Zealand’s postal system – the Internet of its time – during the First World War.
A book of portraits offering an extraordinary, evocative snapshot of New Zealanders facing the First World War.
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.
2014 Writers Week presents two experts on 'the war to end all wars': Margaret MacMillan (8 March 2014) and Christopher Pugsley (12 March 2014).
Researching and writing a historical publication on the Horowhenua district's First World War dead.
In this 6-week course you will learn about the causes, course and consequences of the conflict and examine major aspects of the world that entered and fought the First World War.
Uncovering the stories in an album of 300 postcards collected by Elsie just before and during the First World War. There are postcards from family, soldiers and pen-pals.
Christchurch author Billy Barnz is researching and writing an historical publication on the foundation and history of the Dunedin Montecillo War Veterans Home and Hospital.
Recording a list of First World War service personnel & reserves that listed their occupation as working for the Post Office.
Quick March was the official monthly publication of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association between 1918 and 1923. Auckland Libraries are digitising it to make it available online.
Publication of a local history book recording stories of soldiers listed on the new Te Puke First World War memorial. The book will be launched on Anzac Day 2014.
An MA History thesis looking at the identification and quantification of the NZers employed in the mercantile marine, historiographical analysis and a microhistory of SS Aparima.
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.
Creating a database of information on Mid-Canterbury (Ashburton and districts) soldiers - casualties and returned soldiers; forms available to add information on your local soldier.
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!
Short films telling personal stories about New Zealanders affected by the First World War.
An organisational history of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force covering its formation, initial structure, development and changes.
A book revealing the New Zealand soldier’s experience of the First World War, from general to private. Written by Professor Glyn Harper and launched in August 2015.
A website which allowed visitors to follow the historic 1913 cruise of the battleship HMS New Zealand online in "real-time". Decommissioned in 2014.
New Zealand’s most comprehensive online resource on New Zealand and the First World War. Redesigned in August 2014.
Part of the First World War centenary history programme, this printed overview of New Zealanders’ experiences on the Western Front was published in September 2016.
Introducing the first detailed history of New Zealand’s hospital ships.
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.
A series of authoritative and accessible print histories on New Zealand and the First World War.
Share and explore stories about servicemen and women with Plimmerton (Wellington) connections who served in the First World War.
A broad-ranging book combining history and heritage to tell the story of New Zealand’s home front experiences.
