Memory Box: The Kiwi Stories of WWII

A Living History Transmedia Exhibition to Preserve the Stories of WWII Veterans for Future Generations.

In 2014, there are few surviving WWII veterans and this is perhaps one of the last generations that will have the opportunity to hear their first-hand accounts of the War. This project aims to create a platform for young people to preserve significant oral history of NZ and, through the process, gain an appreciation for the contributions of New Zealanders in WWII.

We are a group of young people who want to put our tech-savviness and creative talents to good use! Since 2013, we have been hosting events at our local RSA and teaching technology-related skills to senior citizens. This year, we were given an extraordinary opportunity to record the life experiences of New Zealanders who served in WWII, many of whom are in their 90s. This September, we began filming at the Te Atatu and East Coast Bays RSAs and have captured some profound stories.

The topic of war is one that has the potential to be divisive but our stance and approach is simple. We are the facilitators of storytelling and are here to empower younger generations with the knowledge, wisdom and learning opportunity to form their own stance. The veterans deserve a platform to tell their extraordinary stories. The younger generations deserve the resources to learn from the past. Our interviews have a very clear objective of collecting wisdom and sharing that wisdom with the wider community.

"What was the most memorable thing from your war experience?""Do you think we have learnt from the past?" "What message do you have for the young people of today?" The responses to these interview questions have provoked us to think deeply about our own lives in the context of an increasingly connected world, a world that has experienced two world wars and yet is still in conflict.

This year marks the centenary of the First World War. Sadly, the people who fought in it are no longer here to tell their stories. We still have the chance to capture the stories of those who served in the Second World War. Now's the time to preserve their legacy. Before it's too late. 

Every dollar goes towards preserving NZ's heritage! Every $500 will keep us going for one more day to capture their amazing stories.

The online exhibition will be launched on ANZAC Day 2015. 

$3,000 raised will help us meet our goal of 50 veterans interviewed.

$6,000 raised means we will be able to extend the project to Wellington.

$10,000 raised will allow us to travel around the country to make the exhibition even more accessible.

WE WELCOME YOU TO BE PART OF THIS AMAZING JOURNEY