Crowds gather in front of Parliament Buildings in Wellington to celebrate victory in Europe.
News of Germany's surrender reached New Zealand in time for the morning papers on 8 May 1945. Informal celebrations began at once, after Winston Churchill's radio announcement of victory, broadcast at 1 a.m., even though 9 May was declared the official VE Day in New Zealand. A national ceremony took place in front of Government Buildings, and in the afternoon, a Returned and Services' Association parade marched to the Basin Reserve where huge crowds had gathered.
Alexander Turnbull Library
War History Collection
Reference: 111847 1/2
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any reuse of this image.
