The South African War began just six years after New Zealand women had gained the right to vote, and provided further opportunities for them to assert their independence. Many did this by actively participating in fundraising, while some expressed public opposition to the war. A small number of women played a more direct role, choosing to leave behind a life of comfort to serve as teachers and nurses in South Africa.
The war at home - First World War overview
The war at home
Fund-raising and support for Belgium
'Poor little Belgium'
When war broke out in 1914 New Zealanders rallied to the aid of 'poor little Belgium'. By early 1915, more than £37,000 had been sent to the British and Belgian Relief Fund in London. Mayors in towns and cities set up relief funds to handle donations of goods and money. Auckland's Belgian Relief Fund raised over £10,000 within a few weeks.
Devonport Primary School air raid shelters
Pupils and teachers at Devonport Primary School head for the shelters during an air raid drill, 1941-42.
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Credit:
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: War Effort Collection, PA-Coll-0783-2-0057
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
German auxiliary cruiser SMS Wolf
The German auxiliary cruiser (converted freighter) SMS Wolf, which in 1917 seized and sank two ships near the Kermadec Islands and laid mines off the New Zealand coast that later claimed two more vessels. In the worst incident, 26 lives were lost on 26 June 1918 when the trans-Tasman liner Wimmera struck a mine and sank off Cape Maria Van Diemen.
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Troopships departing from Lyttelton
Scene at a wharf in Lyttelton, showing troopships and a crowd farewelling troops during the First World War. Shows HMNZT 36 on the left and HMNZT 35 on the right.
Troopship departing New Zealand
Troops on board ship, departing New Zealand for the First World War.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/1-008265-G
Further information and copies of this image may be obtained from the Library through its 'Timeframes' website, http://timeframes.natlib.govt.nz
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any reuse of this image
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