News Page

Explore The Story of Papakura at the Papakura Museum! Journey through an untouched land, stand with Ngā Iwi at Pukekiwiriki Pā, and join the colonial settlers as they voyage to New Zealand. Follow the footsteps of our people through colonisation, conflict, and onward…

Explore how military history has shaped Papakura.    

It is a space that sensitively uses images, words and physical objects to illustrate how the major conflicts of the last 160 years impacted on the lives of New Zealanders.

As always there is a strong emphasis on men and women from Papakura who served in the armed forces (including nurses) and those who supported the war effort from the homefront.

During the New Zealand Wars the conflict was literally in our own backyard from July to December of 1863, with skirmishes in the Hunua Ranges, the Drury Hills and areas of Franklin.

A key part of the Military Gallery is the Costar Collection; one family’s precious, physical memories of two sons that lost their lives during World War One. 

 "Whakaahua" is a body of work telling a story of transformation; as young New Zealanders embark on their journey to join the Regular Force of the New Zealand Army │ Ngāti Tūmatauenga. 

Basic Training is the first small, but significant step towards their future career in service. Leadership principles such as the pursuit of excellence, the forging of personal resilience, and discipline form the foundations of Basic Training. With the development in fundamental military skillsets, our country’s young men and women are equipped with the right skills, knowledge and attributes for their chosen career path.

With over 40 different trades on offer in the New Zealand Army, the soldiers who graduate the course are ready for the next challenge in their vocational pathway. It all starts with ‘day one’.

“Whakaahua" embodies their 13 week journey.

Craig Andrew Madsen has been a photographer for over 30 years working both nationally and internationally. In 2017 Craig began documenting the New Zealand Army, spending 18 months in the field to produce an exhibition called He Hōia Ahau - I Am Soldier. Now based in Waiouru, Craig has continued his work with the New Zealand Army, focusing on The Army Depot (TAD) which trains each intake of new recruits.

“It’s truly a privilege to witness and photograph this now13-week process at TAD. The recruits’ transformation in confidence, self-belief and mana from week one to graduation is simply incredible. 

I simply wish to provide a record and document these personnels’ service to our country, and in doing so providing their families with an opportunity to capture that experience and growth. 

I hope that my photographs can stimulate memories and emotion within our servicemen and women, and resonate with the New Zealand Army of the past and present. If they can place themselves, and recall their own journeys in my photographs, I believe I am on the right path. All my photography with the army is black and white, and this plays a key role in establishing that connection; black and white photographs require thought and imagination from the audience, it doesn’t give it all away.”