Staying connected

In 2020 we are learning anew what distance and separation means. Charlotte Macdonald shows us that while distance in war time or distance to stop the spread of disease are two different reasons for separation but in both we turn to all the tools we have to stay connected, to save life as well as lives.

'ATA-girl': The Fab Five of New Zealand Aviation

They were called 'ATA-girls' (attagirls) female pilots who served with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during the Second World War. During the war 168 women served with the ATA, including five New Zealand Women who paid their own way to England for a chance to fly.

An Invisible History: Wāhine Māori in the Air Force during World War II

'The Style for you is Air Force Blue' was the recruitment tag-line for the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Air Force, established on the 16th January 1941. In this article Angela Wanhalla and Stacey Fraser from University of Otago look at the formation of the WAAFs and Wāhine Māori who served in the Air Force during the Second World War, who's history has largely been invisible.

Māori Mobilisation: Wartime, Peacetime, Covid-19-time

Historically, major crises – whether war or disease – that took and disrupted far too many lives also generated unreservedly Māori responses, often paying attention to whānau and community health and wellbeing. Dr Aroha Harris ponders iwi Māori capacity to mobilise throughout the 20th and 21st Century.

Jayforce: 75 Years on

To mark seventy five years since the arrival of Jayforce in Japan. Gail Romano, shares some of the stories of those who served in Japan in recognition of their service.

Wishes came true for a truly nice person

Many women who signed up to ‘do their bit’ in World War Two were also looking for excitement, a career move, a chance to go overseas or wanted to join other family members who were also serving. Muriel Isabella Moss Borthwick (Anderson) achieved all these wishes.

World War Voices - identifying speakers in wartime radio recordings

During the Second World War the National Broadcasting Service Mobile Unit recorded interviews and reports about the fighting and the day-to-day business of war, as well as thousands of simple messages home from servicemen – and a few women. Sound History Researcher, Sarah Johnston explores their stories.

WWII Veteran Portraits' - New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers

Like many good ideas, this one started small. It was a casual discussion, conceived with a throw away remark over a beer. Chris Traill, a New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Inc (NZIPP) member from Auckland, happened to mention how good it would be if NZIPP photographed returned service personnel and the rest is history.

Love in Wartime: War Weddings

During the Second World War marriage in New Zealand continuously rose, reaching a record high in 1946. Here, we have shared some of the stories of New Zealand servicemen and women and their whirlwind romances.

Unknown Warrior