1950s

Events In History

Articles

Korean War

  • Korean War

    New Zealand was involved militarily in Korea from 1950 to 1957, first as part of the United Nations 'police action' to repel North Korea's invasion of its southern neighbour, and then in a garrison role after the armistice in July 1953.

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  • Page 2 – Background

    That two Korean states existed in 1950 was an outcome of arrangements for the surrender of Japan in August 1945 which had resulted in the entry of both Soviet and American

  • Page 3 – The 'first' and 'second' Korean Wars

    New Zealand was one of the first states to answer the Security Council's call for combat assistance (16 would eventually do so). The government offered two frigates on 29 June

  • Page 4 – Kayforce joins the conflict

    In January 1951 a further New Zealand contingent joined the UN Command – Kayforce. On 26 July 1950, in response to another plea from the UN Secretary-General, Trygve Lie,

  • Page 5 – The Commonwealth Division

    In October 1951, now deployed on the Imjin River as part of 28th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade, the New Zealand gunners took part in Operation Commando, an advance of 5

  • Page 6 – End of the conflict

    At the end of 1951, a stalemate emerged as both sides improved their defensive positions. The front took on the character of a hilly Western Front. Much bitter fighting took

  • Page 7 – Impact of the war

    About 4700 men served in Kayforce and a further 1300 on the frigates during the seven years of New Zealand’s involvement in Korea. Forty-five men lost their lives in this

  • Page 8 – Korean War Roll of Honour

    Roll of Honour of New Zealanders killed during the Korean War, 1953-57

  • Page 9 – The Bob Jagger photographs

    Collection of previously unpublished images of the Korean War by Kiwi gunner Bob Jagger

  • Page 10 – Kiwi stories

    Listen to some of the stories of New Zealanders involved in the Korean War, 1950-1957.

The 1950s

Waitangi Day

  • Waitangi Day

    Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. For most people, Waitangi Day is a holiday; for many, and especially for Māori, it is a time for reflecting on the Treaty and its place in modern New Zealand.

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  • Page 3 - Waitangi Day 1940s-1950sFrom the 1940s the Treaty and Waitangi began to find a place in the national consciousness. For most New Zealanders, they were of historical interest