The Grind of War 1917-2017, ww100.govt.nz, December 2016

As 2016 draws to a close we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in the centenary programme and making the year a memorable one.

This year we have explored many interesting topics, including the impact of war on New Zealand’s women, the devastation inflicted on the New Zealand Division in the Battle of the Somme and the 1916 arrest of Rua Kēnana, a prominent Tūhoe leader, for discouraging enlistment in the war.

In the New Year we will start to focus on what was happening for New Zealanders during 1917, both overseas and at home.

Our 2017 centenary theme, The Grind of War, will reflect on the centenaries of the Battles of Messines, Beersheba and Passchendaele, which included New Zealand’s darkest day. We will also explore how the shortage of labour, conscription woes, the rising cost of living and industrial unrest heightened the tension at home, as well as the aid that New Zealand communities provided to Belgian refugees.

We hope you will join us in marking another First World War centenary year.

From the WW100 Team.