About Us

The Fields of Remembrance Trust

 

The Fields of Remembrance Trust has been established to honour those who served and fought for our nation during World War One.  The Trust is made up of the Passchendaele Society, the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association New Zealand (RNZSA) which represents all the local RSAs, and the Auckland RSA. The Trust was formed on the 16 November 2012 and is a Registered Charity.   I have many times asked myself whether there can be more potent advocates of peace upon earth through the years to come than this massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of war. King George V, Flanders, 1922

Objective

The objective of the Fields of Remembrance Trust is to encourage and support communities in honouring the 18,200 New Zealanders who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War One. 
By establishing fields of named White Crosses we commemorate the individuals who fought and gave their lives in World War One. In doing so we will raise awareness in current generations of the service and sacrifice given 100 years ago.
We will also facilitate several key Regional events in the lead up to a National commemoration in November 2018 – the centenary of Armistice Day.

Background

 In October 2009 a Field of Remembrance was created on the site of the World War One parade ground at Fort Takapuna, Auckland. It comprised 5,000 white crosses commemorating the 5,000 New Zealanders who died in action in Flanders. The concept attracted more than 10,000 visitors. This was the inspiration for the Field of Remembrance Trust.

Achievements

The Centennary of World War One has seen communities across New Zealand honour their boys who served and never came home.

Timaru	Lower Hutt	Matakana	Milton Bruce

 

Regional Fields of Remembrance The Fields of Remembrance Trust supplied crosses for Fields in the four main centres – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The 2015 Fields contained crosses bearing the names of men, from the region, who had died in 1915. In 2016 the names of those who died in 1916 were added. The Fields will continue to grow with more names being added each year.   A replica Flanders field poppy symbolized hope and regrowth. Learn more

School Fields of Remembrance In a joint venture with the Ministry of Education nearly 80,000 white crosses were supplied to 2,531 Primary and Secondary schools. In 2016 mini white crosses were supplied to 4,600 Early Childhood Centres. The Remembrance Kits aimed to inform and inspire younger generations. Learn more Check out this video from Birchville School.

Learn more about The Fields of Remembrance Projects here