Explore the lesser-known aspects of Canterbury’s Second World War Home Front story at two upcoming talks at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. These talks coincide with an exhibition about the Westerfield Military Camp set up in Hakatere Ashburton in 1942 amidst the fear of attack or invasion of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stories from the Canterbury Home Front during WWII
1pm, Sunday 21 May
Ashburton Museum, 329 West Street SH1
Professor Angela Wanhalla will discuss Māori engagement in the war effort and the impact of the war on their lives, as well as the experiences of New Zealand’s ‘GI War Brides’ who married American Servicemen.
Sharing the Burdens: Conscription in Canterbury during WWII
6pm, Wednesday 7 June
Ashburton Museum, 329 West Street SH1
Senior History Lecturer David Littlewood will explore conscription and its extension into the industrial sphere for both men and women, including debates around meeting the country’s military and food production commitments and spreading the burdens of conscription among different groups.
More information about these two upcoming talks and speakers can be found here.