The NZMHS was formed in Auckland in 1973 to foster the study of New Zealand military history, defined as the history of warfare in New Zealand and of New Zealanders at war.
Our aims and objectives are to encourage research into the history, traditions, participants, arms, insignia, uniforms and all aspects of militaria.
Officers of the Society 2023 – 2024
Patron: Colonel (Retd) Raymond Seymour, MBE, JP
Honorary Life Members: Noel Taylor
President: Herb Farrant
Vice President: Mark Brewer
Secretary: Jeff Atkinson
Treasurer: Nigel Ellis
Editor: Peter Cooke
This history is as it appears in Volume 1 Number 1 of the Volunteers – 1973
NEW ZEALAND MILITARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A Brief History:
Original Society 1962-64
During 1962-63, a number of badge collectors met once a month at the RNZAF No1 Port Depot in Fanshawe Street Auckland, meeting informally and exchanging badges, medals and associated militaria.
Because of the limited supply of badges and medals then available, inadequate meeting facilities, and no formal organization, interest and membership had started to fall off. It was then decided to form a Society in an endeavour to stimulate an interest in NZ military history, collecting generally and to prevent, if possible, the movement lapsing.
In July 1963, Capt Peter Butcher of the 3rd Auckland Regt (TF) called a general meeting where the Auckland Military Research Group was formed with Mr David Norman as Chairman And Mr Grant Longley as Secretary-Treasurer. Regular meetings were held with lectures from established collectors such as Mr Dan Atkinson and a regular exchange of badges, medals and information was made.
However, during 1964, the meeting facilities at RNZAF No 1 Port Depot became no longer available and with the uncertainty of where meetings were to be held, interest waned rapidly and the whole movement lapsed.
Present Society 1972 –
On Mr David Norman’s return to NZ in 1972 it was quite apparent that there was a new and enthusiastic interest in collecting militaria, and the response to a circular letter to all known collectors in NZ was so great that a meeting was called in January 1973 in Auckland and the Society reformed with members from all parts of the country.
Aims
The aims of the Society will be to stimulate research into the military history of NZ and to assist the collectors of militaria to meet and correspond with fellow enthusiasts. A regular newsletter is anticipated as a means to keep everyone informed of any original research and is a forum for members of the Society.
Our growing pains are many and varied but with your help we will be able to establish a Military Historical Society which will be of benefit to all collectors.
D J Norman
Chairman
NZ Military Historical Society 1973
