This is the Museum’s first dedicated war memorial space aimed at educating young people about the War and contemplating why 100 years on, it’s still relevant. The interactive gallery is a public learning resource aligned with the school curriculum, aiming to make this significant event in New Zealand history relevant for young people today.
Rich with collections, the gallery shares New Zealanders’ experiences of WWI from multiple perspectives, and presents the key events of the war through an illustrated multimedia timeline, enhanced with objects and immersive interactive experiences.
There are short films, artworks and illustrations, alongside an aerial reconnaissance table which allows visitors to gets hands-on and undertake a mission piloting planes above the trenches. A virtual reality head-set gets visitors up close to a 3D rendered artillery gun. Collectible content enables students and visitors to explore pivotal WWI events through letters, photographs, and diaries in greater depth online, back in school or at home.
Funded by a significant Lotteries Grant, the gallery is next to the World War One Hall of Memories, opposite the recently opened Pou Maumahara Memorial Discovery Centre.
For further information about visiting Pou Kanohi New Zealand at War for school bookings, please email [email protected] or phone on +64 9 306 7040.
Tours are available on request - please contact the bookings office on +64 9 306 7048 or [email protected].
Image caption:
Artwork features General Godley at the NZ Division horse show, photographed by Henry Armytage Sanders. 1917. Ref: 1/2-012733-G. Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.
Several major artworks were commissioned for our new war memorial gallery Pou Kanohi New Zealand at War. Learn about the local artists who developed these artworks and the meaning behind them.
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