Banner reading Featherston Heritage Museum. Photo of prisoners of war being escorted by a soldier to the right.

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 dedicated to preserving and sharing the unique history of Featherston and the surrounding region. Our museum is best known for its connection to the Featherston Prisoner of War Camp, which held Japanese prisoners during World War II. Today, we care for one of the largest collections of Japanese prisoner of war artwork in New Zealand, alongside military artefacts, photographs, and local stories. We are a volunteer-run museum, driven by a commitment to ensure these stories are not lost. Our work includes preserving fragile taonga, supporting research, and creating a space where the community and visitors can engage with history. The museum is also part of an ongoing story of remembrance, reconciliation, and learning - recognising the past while building understanding for the future.

Email: featherstonheritage@gmail.com

Website: https://featherstonheritagemuseum.co.nz/