Eighty projects commemorating New Zealand’s role in the First World War have been awarded NZ$ 9.1 million in the latest round of lottery funding announced by the government in Wellington.
The largest of the grants – NZ $3.8 million – has been awarded to Auckland War Memorial Museum for projects aimed at creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Two commemorative gallery spaces are to be redeveloped and a community outreach programme will take the Centenary ‘to the people.’
Auckland Museum’s Director, Roy Clare, said: “Future Museum, our 20-year strategic plan, expresses our goal to reach ‘beyond our walls’. We are thrilled that the Lottery Grants Board has affirmed our vision to engage with people and communities.
“The investment will enable more people to share information and spread knowledge; to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have gone before us; and to commemorate the substantial international role played by our province and by our nation.”
Just over 100,000 New Zealanders served overseas on the British side during the First World War, from a population of barely one million. More than 18,000 died, and over 40,000 were wounded.
Sharing recollections
Auckland Museum’s outreach programme will visit communities throughout the Centenary period, encouraging families to share their recollections, records and experiences of war. It will include displays, digital elements and curatorial expertise.
These memories will be held in the museum’s online Cenotaph database as a legacy for future generations.
A new inquiry centre will also be developed onsite, together with an enhanced First World War learning space, with the aim of facilitating remembrance and reflection. Both projects form part of a Centenary programme titled: ‘He toa taumata rau: Courage has many resting places.‘ It runs to 2019 but can now be extended.
New Zealand’s Lottery World War One Commemorations, Environment and Heritage Committee has already approved over NZ$ 17.2 million in grants during 2013 and 2014.
Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne said : “The projects funded recognise the importance of this centenary event to New Zealand, and provide New Zealanders the opportunity to remember those who fought and served for their country during the First World War.”
Source: New Zealand Government, Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Dates of press releases: 17th & 18th April 2014
Images: © Auckland War Memorial Museum – Tmaki Paenga Hira
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News