The Lives and Legacies of Japanese Prisoners at Featherston Military Camp

Come and hear Wairarapa history expert, Neil Frances, explore the Japanese prisoner of war experience in Featherston in World War 2.

Featherston was home to almost 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war during World War 2. They were imprisoned at the old World War 1 training camp just outside the town. Discover their stories, their artworks, and the legacy of their presence here, including the infamous 1943 "Featherston incident".

Health & Safety

Usual museum H&S mitigations, e.g fire exits.

Location

Featherston Heritage Museum, 70-72 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston

Regions

Wairarapa

Tags

Talk

Accessible

Event times

12:30-1:30pm Sat 8 Nov

Cost: $5

Fee includes museum admission.

12:30-1:30pm Sun 9 Nov

Cost: $5

Fee includes museum admission.

Event hosts

Featherston Heritage Museum

The Featherston Heritage Museum is the primary repository for artifacts and historical records from the Featherston Military Training Camp and the World War II POW camp. Over 60,000 New Zealand soldiers trained here before heading to war, and during WWII, 800 Japanese prisoners of war were held at the site. You can also see the fully restored Featherston Volunteer Fire Brigade 1932 Model A Ford Engine and other brigade memorabilia. Records about Featherston’s history and its people are held and are updated regularly.

Email: featherstonheritage@gmail.com

Phone: 027 389 1803

Website: https://featherstonheritagemuseum.com