Activities & Projects
Nelson RSA have established a First World War Memorial at Marsden Valley Cemetery, Nelson.
The only remaining artefact commemorating the people of Kuaotunu who gave their lives during this war, it is important to restore and preserve it it in honour of their memory for generations to come.
The Friends of St John's Trust have restored and repaired the Memorial Lych Gate at St John's Church in Trentham, Upper Hutt.
The development and promotion of resources to Ngāi Tahu whānui and the wider community, that share the stories and history of our soldiers who contributed to New Zealand’s war effort.
A bronze war horse by artist Matt Gauldie to acknowledge the 10,000 New Zealand horses that served in WW1 will be unveilied at Memorial Park, Hamilton on 11 November 2017, at 11am.
Restoration of the Thames First World War Memorial was completed in time for Armistice Day 2016.
Shortly before Anzac Day 2016, a memorial plaque was unveiled in Katikati with the poem 'Spirit of Anzac', by former resident and New Zealand war poet Mike Subritzsky, inscribed.
The Bandsmen's Memorial Rotunda, a well known landmark in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, is to be repaired and strengthened.
A book exploring Eastbourne's experience of war — both overseas and on the home front — in the early twentieth century.
A memorial walkway at Birkenhead Primary School commemorating the thirty one soldiers from Birkenhead who lost their lives during the First World War was created in August 2016.
The mana attached to Rotorua’s Te Arawa Soldiers Memorial is being restored thanks to a large contribution from the Lotteries World War One Commemorations, Environment and Heritage Fund.
Scotland's famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is known as the "greatest show on earth".
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 naval war art exhibition of brothers Esmond & Hal Atkinson's pen & ink sketches of service in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve at Petone from 3-23 November 2016.
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.
An animated film to be shown on Wellington Museum's unique vertically-formatted Tall Screen.
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.
A service will be held to remember the first Returned Servicemen who took up sections in the Mangapurua Soldiers Settlement. A monument, flagpole & location map will be placed at the site.
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.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra continues to commemorate the centenary of the First World War with two special concerts of remembrance and thanksgiving in April 2016.
This book records, for the first time, biographies and stories about the nurses (both registered and unregistered) and chaplains with a Nelson/Tasman connection, who served in the First World War.
Obtainment of Conservation Plan/Condition Report for the repair and preservation of The Shrine World War One Memorial situated at Christchurch Boys' High School.
This new chamber opera brings powerfully to life how Gallipoli was a domestic story as well as a military one. At Shed 6, as part of the New Zealand Festival, 3-6 March 2016.
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
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.
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.
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.
Repainting of Whangaroa RSA building in Kaeo in its original 1925 colours
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.
This exhibition at St Michael's Church School Hall, Christchurch, on 24 October 2015 commemorates the centenary of the sinking of the Troopship Marquette, in which ten NZ nurses perished.
Display of photographs of local servicemen and adding of two flagpoles to RSA premises.
Still explores the duality of war: the destruction of lives and the construction of a collective future. Presented simultaneously in Auckland, Christchurch and Poitiers, France, in September 2015.
Performing Maurice Shadbolt's classic Gallipoli play, 'Once on Chunuk Bair', at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch. 29 July - 8 August 2015.
An exhibition at Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History coinciding with the opening of Featherston Camp one hundred years ago. Opening 22 January 2016.
Restoration of Anzac Hall, a historic building connected with Featherston Military Camp.
Hastings District commemorates Anzac Day 2015 at the Cenotaph in Civic Square with a dawn service, a civic ceremony and a programme of music and community art projects.
A project to audit and digitise the First World War collections at the Waimate Historical Society, and encourage members of the public to share personal stories and artefacts.
Creating a slide show presentation featuring the records of 213 soldiers who left Ngāruawāhia for the First World War. Completed in time for the centenary of the Gallipoli landing, 25 April 2015.
The planting of a series of forests around the Coromandel Peninsula commemorating major battles and all New Zealand soldiers who died in the First World War.
Fortune Theatre in Dunedin hosts the world première of a play about Jack Braithwaite, a New Zealand soldier executed for mutiny in 1916. Runs from 28 March - 18 April 2015.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet – with the New Zealand Army Band – presents a First World War-themed ballet, 'Salute'. Touring New Zealand in May and June 2015.
This memorial at the Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North recognises New Zealand Medical Corps personnel who served during the First World War and is in need of refurbishment.
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.
Research into the men and women listed as "killed in action" during the First World War on war memorials in Upper Clutha, published into a book titled Courageous and Free in November 2016.
A sculptural work in memorial to the grievous losses of the First World War and a reflection on the idea of 'victory' in war. Now exhibiting in Europe.
First World War Commemorative Exhibition at Waiheke Community Art Gallery opens Friday 21 November 2014 at 6pm and continues to Monday 15 December 2014.
A project to commission a significant work to recognise the Featherston Military Training Camp is well underway.
No Man’s Land brings together the descendants of opposing forces in the First World War and reunites them in friendship and musical solidarity. Touring in March 2016.
New plaque for the Otago Peninsula Soldiers' Monument.
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.
Creating a white crosses field of remembrance in Tokoroa.
Restoration of Piopio memorial cenotaph and a series of First World War commemorative events.
Commemorative events, including a commemorative garden and an exhibition, leading up to Anzac Day 2015.
Reconstruction and re-lettering of Whangarei First World War cenotaph.
Restoration of First World War memorials at Maungakaramea and Tapuhi.
Encouraging communities throughout New Zealand to create Fields of Remembrance with personalised White Crosses, to honour those in their community who served overseas in the First World War.
A First World War commemorative programmme 'Tau Tupua: The Spirits' honours the 150 Nieuean men who fought in the Maori Contingent during the First World War. 25 July-30 August 2014.
Erected in 1921 as a memorial to Tauranga’s fallen the gates are constructed of concrete rendered posts, wrought iron gates and marble plaques, which are currently undergoing conservation.
Relocation and conservation of a First World War Tapawera Camp hut.
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.
Travelling exhibition from the National Army Museum - 'Heartlanders of World War One' - about New Zealanders on the Western Front.
Publication of a book about animals and birds in service during the First World War.
The Petone Settlers' Museum will host an exhibition and changing public programme, from August 2014 to the peace celebrations in 2019.
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.
Memorial concert to commemorate the First World War, its impact on the Oamaru District and the Oamaru Garrison Band of the day. April 2015.
Banners for special display for two New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame inductees killed in action during the First World War.
Restoration of First World War memorials throughout the Rangitikei District.
The planning and erection of the statue of a young Mackenzie soldier as he stood on the Fairlie Railway Station, preparing to go to war, back in 1914. Unveiled 16 October 2014.
Creating mini video-documentaries featuring local people singing or reading pieces that recall the First World War, along with interpretive panels.
Historical book on the Taumaru Military Convalescent Hospital to be published online.
First World War memorial plaque for a marae complex in Kennedy Bay, Coromandel.
Construction of crosses for a Hamilton field of remembrance.
Restoring the Gore war memorial.
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.
Marking 100 years since Otago and Southland troops first left from Dunedin for the theatre of war, with an Embarkation Day re-enactment march through Dunedin to where the troopships were.
Restoration of the Alexandra war memorial.
Creating a digital community resource to preserve stories surrounding the impact of the First World War on the Buller district.
Construction of a First World War remembrance plaza alongside the new Returned and Services Association (RSA) clubrooms in Christchurch.
Jane Tolerton's book Ettie Rout: New Zealand’s safer sex pioneer details the achievements of a woman who pioneered safer sex initiatives for New Zealand troops in the First World War.
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.
A community family day of activities, entertainment, games and workshops to commemorate peace and the end of the First World War.
A memorial at the Wellington Quarry Museum in Arras, France, to recognise the work of 500 New Zealand tunnellers in the Arras quarries 1916-17, and the people of Arras who kept their graves.
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.
Creating a new play about young Aussies and Kiwis visiting Gallipoli on the night before Anzac Day. What is it that attracts them?
Reinstating the Cenotaph as the focal point of the ceremonial space along Lambton Quay, Bowen Street and Parliamentary Grounds in Wellington.
A three-week exhibition and installation project at Depot Artspace, focusing on the impact of the First World War on the Devonport community. Opens March 2015.
The Home Front aims to show what the soldiers left behind and what life was like in the Taupo District during the years of the First World War.
An invitation to members of the Taupo District community to digitally share your memorabilia relating to the First World War, or tell the story of how the First World War impacted your family.
Construction of a new memorial to New Zealand First World War Tunnellers in Waihi. Officially dedicated by the Governor-General on 22 January 2016.
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.
As part of headland Sculpture on the Gulf 2015 (23 January-15 February 2015), a unique commemorative sculpture will be unveiled and gifted to the Waiheke community for the First World War centenary.
The Graduate Choir NZ, under its conductor Terence Maskell, presents a programme of choral music in the Auckland War Memorial Museum's Sanctuary on 4 August 2014 at 7.30 pm.
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.
Farewell Zealandia: Forgotten Kiwi Music of World War One explores a selection of music written by New Zealanders from 1914 to 1918.
Restoration and conservation of Paraparaumu and Ōtaki war memorials.
Upgrading the Mt Roskill war memorial area in Auckland to add a Roll of Honour, make the parade ground larger and more accessible, and generally improve this important local landmark.
Collecting the stories, photos and documents of Waipu people who served in the First World War and building a village exhibition. Opens August 2014.
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.
A choral music concert held on Friday 25 April 2014, 5.00pm, at the Auckland Town Hall.
Enhancing the College Hall Memorial Window to honour the names of the fallen via a series of bronze plaques beneath this magnificent First World War memorial in the Arts Centre of Christchurch.
2014 Writers Week presents two experts on 'the war to end all wars': Margaret MacMillan (8 March 2014) and Christopher Pugsley (12 March 2014).
Developing a website and downloadable mobile application, and constructing a monument (unveiled April 2014) commemorating a First World War soldier from New Zealand.
Re-engraving commemorative plaques with the names of remembered soldiers, and erecting information panels at each of five North Otago war memorial oak tree groves.
Restoring and improving the Queens Gardens (including the Cenotaph) in preparation for First World War commemorative events.
Field of Remembrance commemorative activities prior to Anzac Day in 2014.
Researching and writing a historical publication on the Horowhenua district's First World War dead.
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.
Te Papa is combining the worlds of movies, model-making and museums to take visitors on a journey back to Gallipoli. This exhibition, developed in partnership with Weta Workshop, opens 18 April 2015.
Balls, Bullets and Boots explores the impact that the First World War hostilities had on New Zealand’s signature sport and its sportspeople.
Free public aviation show of First World War planes with commentary and land-based displays.
An exhibition at Expressions telling the story of the First World War military training camp, which turned civilians into fighting men. 16 August-3 October 2014.
An interpretive display to commemorate First World War casualties, and the war’s impact on the Western Southland District.
Creating a film sharing experiences of locals whose family members went to war; and a First World War-themed exhibition.
Historical research and publication on the Eastbourne RSA and the district’s links with the First World War.
Restoring the First World War memorial to Maori soldiers in Moutoa Gardens (Pakaitore) Historic Reserve.
The Last Maopo, a book to be officially launched on Anzac Day 2014, provides insight into the Māori experience of the First World War by retelling the life of Ngāi Tahu soldier Wiremu Maopo.
An exhibition & play based on local First World War experiences.
A Tauranga public lecture series on First World War themes. The entire series runs weekly from Wednesday 17 September 2014 to Wednesday 5 November 2014. Bookings essential.
An exhibition at the Central Hawkes Bay Settlers Museum in Waipawa, telling stories of some of the local soldiers who went to the First World War. 3 August 2014 - 26 January 2015.
A riverside garden in memory of military personnel killed in the First World War, focusing on Hamilton city's connection with the Belgian town of Ieper (Ypres).
Restoring the Gisborne Cenotaph which was damaged in a 2007 earthquake. The monument is our region’s main First World War monument and the focal point of our Anzac day celebration.
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.
An exhibition about the people of Otaki during the First World War: those who gave their lives, those who returned, those who worked in the town. Opens 28 August 2014, Otaki Museum.
Activities for the Whanganui area include a major exhibition, digitisation of community held records, a newsletter, art exhibitions and memorials photography.
An exhibition that explores the stories of Central Otago; leading up to, during, and after the First World War. Full details will be available on our website.
Bulls Museum is developing a display of local people and personnel who served during the First World War.
The New Zealand War Graves Trust, in association with the Auckland War Memorial Museum are creating a photographic archive of the war graves of all New Zealanders from 1899 to the present day.
This project is about ensuring war memorials in Southland are able to be preserved and commemorated in the near future and the long term.
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.
Digitisation of First World War personal and official photographs from the collections of the National Army Museum.
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.
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.
Fit out of Mosgiel Memorial RSA commemorative library and museum.
An exhibition commemorating the centenary of the First World War through the memories and stories of Northlanders. Kiwi North Museum, Whangarei, from April 2014 through to November 2018.
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.
The Museum was funded to digitise First World War collection resources; provide a mobile service to capture archives within its district; and provide online access to the material.
An exhibition of Laurence Aberhart's photographs of First World War memorials in New Zealand and Australia, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 12 April 2014-31 August 2014.
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.
This exhibition at Rotorua Museum tells some of the many powerful stories from the First World War through objects and memories contributed by the Rotorua community. 2 July 2014-2 November 2014.
Restoring the Kaitaia First World War memorial for the centenary commemorations.
Restoration of the Nautilus, the launch that transported wounded troops from the shore to hospital ships off the coast at Gallipoli, was completed in 2016.
A series of authoritative and accessible print histories on New Zealand and the First World War.
