National Army Museum, Waiouru New Zealand

14/05/2026

Learning comes to life at the Museum 📚✨

We loved hosting North Street School from Feilding recently, as students stepped beyond the classroom to extend their understanding of the significance of Anzac Day.

Looking for a learning experience your students will never forget? Our range of engaging programmes are tailored to support classroom learning while creating lasting memories.

Plan your visit today and let the past inspire the future.

🔗https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/schools/education-programmes/

12/05/2026

Happy International Nurses Day 2026 to all nurses, past and present - both military and civilian.

Military nurses stand shoulder to shoulder with those they care for, showing unwavering dedication, resilience, and courage in every environment. Facing the same challenges and hardships, they continue to deliver exceptional care wherever they’re needed.

Thank you for your service and commitment.

📸 1992.1156.2 Nurses and luggage on the wharf at Alexandria.
🔗 https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/voices-of-the-past/invercargill-nurse-decorated-for-duty-to-the-sick/

11/05/2026

The Victoria Cross is the highest honour for gallantry in the face of the enemy. This week, we remember that 80 years ago, Charles Upham was presented with his first VC for extraordinary bravery.

During the Battle of Crete in May 1941, Upham carried out a series of remarkable actions that led to his award. As recorded in the London Gazette, he showed “outstanding leadership, tactical skill and utter indifference to danger.”

On the night of 21 May, Upham led a counter-attack on Maleme airfield, destroying enemy machine-gun posts with grenades, rescuing a wounded soldier, and guiding stranded men back to safety. In the days that followed, he continued to push forward under fire, engaging the enemy at close quarters. Despite being shot at, he outwitted and overcame his attackers.

By 30 May, weakened by wounds and illness, Upham and a small group ambushed a German force, preventing the New Zealand rear guard from being cut off. Twice wounded, he was among the last to be evacuated from Crete.

We’re proud to have Upham’s medals on display in our Valour Alcove - come and experience his remarkable story - the only combat soldier in history to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice.

🔗 https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/voices-of-the-past/charles-upham-new-zealands-greatest-war-hero/

10/05/2026

This Mother’s Day 2026, we honour the quiet strength of mothers in times of war.

From farewells on platforms to letters sent across oceans, mothers carried the weight of worry while holding families together at home. They stitched uniforms, packed parcels, volunteered in their communities, and offered unwavering support to sons and daughters serving far from home. Their courage was often unseen, but deeply felt - in every word of encouragement, every care package, every hopeful prayer.

Today, we recognise the resilience, sacrifice, and love of mothers who stood behind our soldiers, then and now.

Happy Mother’s Day. 🌺

09/05/2026

Today in history Victory in Europe (VE Day) - 9th May 1945

After more than 2,000 days of conflict and hardship, the war in Europe ended with Germany’s unconditional surrender at Reims. It felt like the finish line - the moment soldiers could finally come home. But the war wasn’t over just yet. Fighting continued in the Far East and Pacific for several more months, until Japan’s surrender brought World War II to its true close.

It is hard to imagine how relieved the nation must have been when it heard of the surrender of Germany and the news that the Kiwi troops were now out of harm’s way.

Not surprisingly the news of VE Day was wildly celebrated throughout New Zealand with street parades, dances, bonfires and formal celebrations. However, the joy was tempered by the fact that the war still was not over since Imperial Japan remained undefeated.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s troops were in Trieste, Italy, and found themselves facing off against Yugoslavian communist forces that were determined to claim the city and its surrounds. The situation was eventually resolved, but for a time it threatened to boil over and was one of the very first stand-offs of the Cold War.

A day of celebration…..and a reminder that history rarely ends in a single moment.

📸 DA3307 The New Zealand Division marking the news of victory in Europe by firing flares near Trieste in northern Italy.

08/05/2026

Feel the power of history up close.

This 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun is just one of the remarkable artillery pieces on display at the Museum - a reminder of the vital role artillery has played in protecting New Zealand forces throughout our military history.

From the thunder of the guns to the stories of the soldiers who served beside them, discover the machines that shaped the battlefield. Come explore our collection of historic weapons and military technology for yourself.

Learn about other guns in the collection 🔗 https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/hidden-treasures/anti-aircraft-gun-mk3/

07/05/2026

Medics stand among the most courageous and selfless in uniform - serving in the dual roles of caregiver and soldier, their role to protect the health and wellbeing of all within the New Zealand Defence Force. From routine care to frontline, life-saving treatment, they are present on every exercise and operation, ready to respond when it matters most.

In moments of crisis, they act with skill, composure, and unwavering courage - embodying their Corps motto: Semper Agens, Semper Quietus - Always Alert, Always Calm. Today, we recognise and thank them for their dedication to both their profession and their fellow soldiers. Happy Corps Day.

And a piece of Corps history with a story still waiting to be solved…

Second only to the pressures of frontline medicine, the New Zealand Medical Corps Challenge Shield was fiercely contested - a true test of “efficiency in first aid.” Built on teamwork, sharp judgement, and a competitive edge, it became something of a legend within the Corps (then known as the New Zealand Medical Corps).

The last recorded winners were “7 & 8 FTTs” in 1967 - and from there, the trail goes quiet. A modern mystery remains.

Do you know what happened next?

🔗 www.armymuseum.co.nz/medical-corps-challenge-shield

04/05/2026

25/04/2026

From today, their stories speak again.
The Bad Luck Battalion shares firsthand accounts from three Gallipoli survivors.
History, in the words of those who were there.
Adapted by Arthur Meek from the book, Voices of Gallipoli, by Maurice Shadbolt

25/04/2026

The 25th of April, the day of the landings at Gallipoli in 1915, is New Zealand and Australia’s most famous military anniversary. But did you know that Anzac Day also marks the anniversary of the end of the Battle of Kapyong in 1951?

Over four days and nights New Zealand soldiers from the 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, provided supporting fire to infantry from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea as they resisted the advancing People’s Volunteer Army. The accuracy and frequency of the New Zealanders 25 pounder guns proved vital to the United Nations forces who successfully defended their positions despite being vastly outnumbered.

16th Field Regiment was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for their service in the Battle of Kapyong, which is now on display in the Korean War gallery at the National Army Museum.