Wally Ware served in the Royal New Zealand Navy during World War II, witnessing key moments aboard HMNZS Achilles and Gambia. His remarkable experiences, from naval battles to coded letters home, shaped his post-war life as a pioneering farmer and community leader.

As another year draws to a close, the Online Cenotaph team at Auckland War Memorial Museum reflects on a year of community-driven commemoration. In this end of year review, we've compiled some highlights showing how, together with our community, we have honoured New Zealand's veterans in 2024.

New Zealand has always had a close military connection with Australia. This is the story of two New Zealanders who served with the Second Australian Imperial Force in one of Australia's most famous campaigns - the Kokoda Trail.

While Armistice Day was not an official end to World War I, it did mark a vital turning point in the conflict. For the approximately 52,000 New Zealand service personnel overseas, including William Osborne Liggins, the news meant leaving behind muddy trenches and starting a long journey back home.

On 21 October 1899, New Zealand's first overseas military contingent departed for the South African War, marking a significant moment in the nation's military history. The 125th anniversary commemorates this milestone, reflecting on the troops' experiences and New Zealand's evolving identity within the British Empire.

This article summarises how Online Cenotaph fosters social cohesion by engaging communities in shaping New Zealand’s military history through digital interaction. Drawing from research by Liew and Passau (2024), it highlights how user contributions transform military history into a living heritage, connecting people and strengthening communal ties.

In the period between World War II and the Vietnam War, New Zealand was involved in a number of engagements in South East Asia that are often forgotten. This blog is a short explainer of those conflicts.

From military service to the world stage, New Zealand's veteran Olympians exemplify resilience and dedication. Fifteen New Zealand military veterans have had the privilege of representing New Zealand at the Olympics. Let’s celebrate their stories as we reignite the Olympic flame.

These are the stories of two families whose lives were inseparable from the Merchant Navy. As these siblings, children, and parents served alongside each other during World War II they demonstrated incredible perseverance and their experiences highlight a surprising sense of continuity despite global conflict.

As New Zealand's servicepeople returned home from the First World War they were faced with the rise of an influenza pandemic. It killed thousands of New Zealanders, and many soldiers. These are the stories of two of those men.

When the Expeditionary Force Advance Party set sail from Wellington to Samoa on 12 August 1914, they became some of the first New Zealand troops to see active service. Among them were six, soon to be seven, New Zealand nurses whose unusual service fundamentally shaped New Zealand's contribution to the war effort.

In the Korean War, New Zealand's Kayforce built meaningful connections with Koreans, transcending initial barriers of mistrust and language. Their involvement in humanitarian efforts and the formation of bonds highlighted a remarkable story of camaraderie and compassion, showcasing the positive impacts of their presence amidst the complexities of war.