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 Second Floor
After World War II it was decided to expand the War Memorial to honour all of Auckland Provinces fallen soldiers. The additions would include a new Hall of Memory to remember the 11,625 men and women killed in World War II.
The attitude to war memorials had changed significantly by World War ll. People were disillusioned and believed that global war was a repetitive horror that was doomed to be repeated. After World War I many people believed that they had lived through The War To End All Wars and survivors returning to New Zealand had hoped that they would see a new world worthy of the sacrifice made by their fallen comrades. But the world had disappointed them. Now war memorials had become reminders of our inability to rise above the endless cycle of war and all its horrors.
Prime Minister Peter Fraser and some cabinet ministers had been imprisoned for opposing conscription in World War I and objected to any possible glorification of war. Instead they encouraged grieving communities to build `living memorials (especially community centres) where New Zealanders could enjoy the freedom of life and personal expression that their countrymen and women had died to protect.
Coinciding with the need to expand the Auckland War Memorial was the need to increase the Museum exhibition, storage and work space. Malcolm Draffin, one of the original architects, drew up the plans for an extension of the building, which would add two thirds more floor space and improve the balance of storage and laboratory space. This time the function of the Museum was to be paramount.
Fundraising for the extension began in 1946. Public subscription realised approximately 274,642 pounds and central government contributed 162,500 pounds.11 Construction began in June 1956 and Prime Minister S.G.Holland laid the foundation stone on the 30th March 1957. Governor General Viscount Cobham opened the extension on the 19th of March 1960. The final addition, the auditorium, was officially opened on the 21st October 1969.
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The names of men and women of Auckland lost during World War II are recorded in the marble Hall of Memories. Panels commemorating New Zealands loss in Korea, the Malaya-Borneo conflict and Vietnam, are also enshrined here.
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