New Zealand Military Exhibits
The National Army Museum has a number of temporary and permanent military exhibits, showcasing unique collections of New Zealand military equipment, photos and memorabilia. Take a look at our current exhibitions to see what’s on at the Museum before you visit us at Waiouru.
Current Army Museum Military Exhibits
- NEW Medal Repository
- Khaki & Black – NZ’s Rugby Supremacy in Times of War
- Bamiyan – The Heart of Afghanistan
- 60th Anniversary of the Korean War
- The George Medal and the Tangiwai Disaster
- Visitor Comments
Khaki & Black – NZ’s Rugby Supremacy in Times of War
The story of New Zealand’s wartime rugby playing hereos is the focus of this exciting new exhibition. The exhibition takes a close look at the history of New Zealand Army Rugby when the kiwis ‘took the game overseas’ and ‘Army Rugby was World Rugby’.
Rugby is a religion for many New Zealanders and our soldiers found time to play the national game when they weren’t fighting at the front. From each of the world wars there emerged a great rugby team; the New zealand Army Team who reignited international rugby playing in front of appreciative crowds, winning ‘test’ matches against post war teams from countries including England, South Africa, Australia, Wales and France.
Learn about one of the first big trophies in world rugby – the Kings Cup, and about the great 1945-46 Kiwis Team who changed the way rugby was played into a fast pace spectacle for appreciative crowds. Visitors can also test their skills and knowledge in our interactive SKILLZ ZONE on our large virtual kicking game, scrum machine, line out activity and much more. MORE
Bamiyan – The heart of Afghanistan
This photographic exhibition brings to life the stories and experiences of the people living in the Bamiyan Province. It is presented through the eyes of the locals, and combines interviews and images of the New Zealand Defence Force personnel working in the Provinical Recontruction Team.
This exhibit is on in our new Thornton Gallery.
60th anniversary of the korean war
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War the National Army Museum has opened a new exhibition. The Korean War was known for its harsh conditions and this is reflected in the four different uniforms on display. It also includes original footage of the Korean War.
On now in the Kippenberger Walkway.
The George Medal and the Tangiwai Disaster
A new exhibition has opened remembering the heartbreaking story of the Tangiwai disaster, NZ’s most tragic railway disaster on Christmas Eve 1953. The display tells the story and showcases the George medal awarded to local man Cyril Ellis for his actions the night of the Tangiwai disaster.
On now in the downstairs gallery. Click here for full story.
Visitor Comments
“The quality of displays is fabulous. Layout is also very good, very impressed, wish I had come sooner!” – K.B.E, Fielding
“The Boer War display is the best that I have seen, including South Africa and the U.K. “ – UK visitor
“Loved the stuffed horse, I want a statue just like it! “ – Auckland visitor
“This is a magnificent tribute to the NZ Defence Forces.” – K & S. M, Western Australia
“The whole thing has been brilliantly done and is a great tribute to all who have served this country and those who waited at home for them to return, or not.” – G.M. Hamilton
“The nurse part in the downstairs is very overwelming. I didn’t really enjoy walking through the tent since it was almost too real.” – L.D. Auckland
“I appreciated being able to write on a cross for my great-grandparents and being able to place it under the Greenstone Wall.” – A.M. Napier
Don’t miss out on these important exhibitions – visit the National Army Museum at Waiouru today.
