Germany formally surrendered on 7 May, New Zealand time. But acting Prime Minister Walter Nash insisted that celebrations should wait until after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill officially announced peace at 1 a.m. on 9 May, New Zealand time.
Huge headlines in the morning papers of 8 May announced Germany’s surrender. The nation was excited by the news and the mood was celebratory. The rug was pulled out from under the feet of many when Nash broadcast that New Zealanders should go about their usual business; VE Day would be observed on the 9th.
The New Zealand Herald summed up the mood of many: ‘The feeling of victory was in the air, but no-one was inclined to let off steam without official authorisation’. It reported a comment from a mayor: ‘In 20 years’ time, school children will be asked to define the word anti-climax, and the answer will be “March [sic] 8, 1945”.’
Image: Crowds at the official VE Day celebrations, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, 1945
Read more on NZHistory
VE Day – VE and VJ daysVE Day crowds at Parliament – History of New Zealand photography
External links
- VE Day rejoicing film (Te Ara)
- Parades 1890 to 1950 (Te Ara)
How to cite this page
'NZ celebrates Victory in Europe', URL: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/new-zealand-celebrates-victory-in-europe, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 3-Sep-2014
