The Monowai leaving for Samoa

On 15 August 1914, the 'Advance Party NZEF' left Wellington Harbour for German Samoa on the troopships Monowai (shown above) and Moeraki. 

The Monowai and Moeraki were converted merchant steamers requisitioned from the Union Steam Ship Company. Before leaving New Zealand waters they were joined by three cruisers of the Royal Navy's New Zealand Division: HMS Philomel, Psyche and Pyramus.