Saturday 25 April is Anzac day and this year is the centenary of New Zealand’s participation in the First World War. Here at NZNO we’re remembering all those affected by war, whether at home or abroad and especially our nursing sisters who didn’t think twice about stepping up to do what had to be done.
We couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them. Their stories deserve to be told.
If you are interested in finding out a bit more about our herstory of nursing in wartime, check out the links below. There’s everything from a moving speech about women’s contribution in war, by a young Papanui high school student to information about the hospital ships our nurses worked on. We hope you enjoy the selection.
Wounded ready for loading onto a hospital ship, Gallipoli.
The Maheno and Marama were the poster ships of New Zealand’s First World War effort. Until 1915 these steamers had carried passengers across the Tasman for the Union Steam Ship Company, but as casualties mounted at Gallipoli, the government pressed them into service as hospital ships.
Tending to the wounded on or near the battlefield was a huge job, and it was done under the most difficult conditions. New Zealand’s medical services were well organised and included surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and a fully equipped dental hospital.
Papanui High School student Katie Mills presenting her speech as a finalist in the 2015 ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition.
A memorial postcard showing the troop transport Marquette with a list of the 32 members of the New Zealand Medical Corps, New Zealand Army Nursing Service and NZEF lost in the sinking on 23 October 1915
The sinking of the transport ship Marquette in the Aegean Sea in late 1915 added to the grief of a nation still reeling from the heavy losses at Gallipoli. Among the fatalities were 32 New Zealanders, including 10 nurses – making 23 October the deadliest day in the history of this country’s military nursing.
In July 1915, during the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War, Ettie Rout set up the New Zealand Volunteer Sisterhood and invited women between the ages of 30 and 50 to go to Egypt to care for New Zealand soldiers. In spite of government opposition, she sent the first batch of 12 volunteers to Cairo that October.
New Zealand Army nurses and medical officers pose in front of the carved gateway of the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Wisques, France.
Nurses look out of the windows of the NZ Stationary Hospital, Wisques, France, during World War 1
WWI Remembered: A Light & Sound Show – Wellington Remembers. A light and sound show featuring art and historical imagery projected onto buildings at Pukeahu
WWI Remembered: A Light & Sound Show – Wellington Remembers. A light and sound show featuring art and historical imagery projected onto buildings at Pukeahu
WWI Remembered: A Light & Sound Show – Wellington Remembers. A light and sound show featuring art and historical imagery projected onto buildings at Pukeahu
Matron-in-chief Hester Maclean
A New Zealand Nurse and orderly outside the diphtheria ward, NZ Stationary Hospital, Wisques, France, 1918
I visited Kilmarnock Heights Rest Home during Caregiver’s Week last month to do my part to recognise the contribution of this work force. I met some wonderful people and enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with the carers, managers and union representatives. The delicious morning tea was very pleasant and made me glad I had biked there!
Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs there is. You have to be kind, compassionate and efficient all at the same time. I wanted to take the opportunity to tell the caregivers gathered at Kilmarnock in Wellington that I admired them, and appreciated the work they do. Their cultural diversity is a strength for the Capital.
Caregivers have the challenge of supporting our most vulnerable citizens when they are happy, sad, scared, angry or lonely. It is up to the staff to turn a Rest Home into a real home, and that is a huge responsibility.
Caregiving is a predominately female workforce, at 93 percent. The battle for wages that reflect the value of the job caregivers do is ongoing.
As I am sure you are all aware, the Wellington City Council supports the Living Wage. In 2013 Wellington City Council increased the wages of our lowest paid employees including parking wardens and lifeguards. This has made a significant difference to the lives of our staff and their families.
None of us can be 100 percent certain what the future holds for us or our family members. Let’s all show our appreciation and support of those in the caregiving industry.
I visited Kilmarnock Heights Rest Home during Caregiver’s Week last month to do my part to recognise the contribution of this work force. I met some wonderful people and enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with the carers, managers and union representatives. The delicious morning tea was very pleasant and made me glad I had biked there!
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