Second World War
New Zealand and the Second World War
Discover how the Second World War reshaped the modern world. New Zealand was involved for all but three of the 2179 days of the conflict.
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Battle of the River Plate
On 13 December 1939 HMS Achillesbecame the first NZ unit to strike a blow at the enemy in the Second World War
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The Battle of Britain
New Zealanders played a key role in the vital struggle to defend Britain in 1940, flying Hurricanes and Spitfires, or serving in other roles in the air, at sea and on the ground.
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The Battle for Crete
Over 12 brutal days in May 1941, the Allies fought off a massive German airborne assault on Crete. They almost succeeded.
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The North African Campaign
New Zealand's longest and most important land campaign of the Second World War occurred in North Africa between 1940 and 1943.
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New Zealanders in the Pacific War
The Pacific War was a conflict on a vast scale over staggering distances. It also had a lasting effect on the global politics of the region.
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Māori and the Second World War
Though some Maori questioned why they should fight Britain's war, the 28th (Maori) Battalion became one of the most celebrated and decorated units in the New Zealand forces.
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Maori War Effort Organisation 1942-1945
The Maori War Effort Organisation was formed during the Second World War to assist with recruitment for the forces and war-related service.
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The Merchant Navy in the Second World War
They called it 'the fourth service'. Thousands of New Zealanders served in the Merchant Navy, shipping troops, military equipment and cargo across the world.
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US forces in New Zealand
It was an 'invasion' with a touch of Hollywood. From 1942 to 1944, as many as 45,000 American servicemen were in camp in New Zealand at any one time.
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The Italian campaign
Between 1943 and 1945 tens of thousands of Kiwis fought in Italy. Most belonged to a force affectionately known as the 'Div' - the 2nd New Zealand Division.
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Prisoners of War
They called it going 'into the bag'. During the Second World War, as many as 8000 New Zealanders were interned as prisoners of war (POWs).
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D-Day and the battle for Europe
It was one of the largest amphibious landings in history. On 6 June 1944 a huge Allied military machine embarked on the invasion of German-occupied France.
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VE and VJ days
Suddenly war was over. After years of rationing and anxiety about loved ones overseas, New Zealanders greeted the coming of peace.
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The Royal NZ Navy's Bird-class ships
Designed primarily to train young Kiwis for service in the expanding Royal Navy, the Bird class ships were perfectly timed for New Zealand’s brand new navy.
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HMNZS Leander
One of two Leander-class cruisers owned by the new RNZN in 1941, the Leander was involved in some of the key sea battles of the war in the Pacific
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Royal New Zealand Air Force
The RNZAF has built up a proud tradition of service since it became an independent service within the New Zealand defence forces in 1937
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The Royal New Zealand Navy
An overview of the Royal New Zealand Navy from its 19th Century origins to the present day
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The Second World War at home
Civilian New Zealanders remember what it was like in New Zealand during the Second World War
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