In support of the major war effort of New Zealand in 1914-18, men were recruited from many of our Pacific Island countries. They were brought to Devonport and trained at Fort Takapuna, and the nearby Narrow Neck Beach was an important part of their time there.
Join Dave Veart as he shares his research on the experience of these men: stories of those who are buried at O’Neill’s Point Cemetery, their war, and their return home after the war. How the locals responded to their arrival is also considered, and information to locate sites at Fort Takapuna, Narrow Neck, and Bayswater will be provided – as well as the locations of the Pacific origins of the soldiers. Pasifika people were joining the volunteer Pioneer Māori Battalion.
History buffs, this one is for you!
