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Māori and the First World War

Some Maori supported the First World War and joined up. Others, remembering the pain of the 19th-century land wars, opposed the war effort.

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First World War farewells

Between 1914 and 1918, New Zealanders farewelled more than 100,000 men as they headed off to a military training camp or went straight to war. 

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First World War homecomings

NZ troops began returning from overseas in small numbers in late 1914, firstly from Samoa followed by many more from Gallipoli, and later from England and France.

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Recruiting and conscription

Recruiting men for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) was among the New Zealand government’s most pressing priorities during the four difficult years of the First World War

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Supporting the war effort, 1914-1919

The sacrifices of the men at the front, and the plight of those living in the war zones, drove many New Zealanders to donate money, goods and time to help those affected by the First World War. 

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Conscientious objection and dissent in the First World War

Conscientious objectors paid a heavy price for their stance during the First World War. Everyone was expected to do their bit for 'King and Country'.

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Children, schools and the First World War

The experience of children and schools during the First World War

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Featherston camp

A history of Featherston military training camp during the First World War

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