NZHistory Category Pages

This survey of the work done by the public service at home and abroad during the First World War introduces the other articles in the series.

When the First World War began, New Zealand’s public service employed about 10% of the working population, many in highly skilled roles.

How the Defence Department co-ordinated the vast job of enlisting and training New Zealand men, and sending them to the First World War.

The ‘imperial commandeer’ - how the government overcame great difficulties to despatch New Zealand produce to wartime Britain.

How the public service coped with the pressures of war as thousands of staff left to serve overseas.

How police toiled to ‘keep the peace’ with the assistance of stringent new wartime laws. 

How the public service created a repatriation system – and then dismantled it. 

The rolls, memorials and other ways that public servants who died in war were remembered.

The rail system and its workforce played a crucial role in supporting the national effort during the First World War

The Post and Telegraph Department maintained communications at home while its staff played vital roles at the front 

Public Service at war