About

Using archival sources and whānau stories, Te Hau Kāinga team aims to produce a book about the Māori experience of World War II at home.

Our project focuses on three main areas. We are looking at the economic contribution of Māori men and women to the war effort on the home front, but also how war impacted the social, religious and cultural obligations of families and communities. As over half of the Māori population was under 21 years of age in 1945, our project examines the relationship between youthful aspirations and wartime change, and asks how the war shaped the work and daily life of a generation of young people.

Each area is led by a research team member, and we are supported by an advisory group of experts representing different sectors of the community.