Our December speaker will be David Grant

Well-known New Zealand historian, David Grant will be speaking on the New Zealand Conscientious Objectors in World War One – Tuesday 9 December.

  • Starting at 7.30 pm.
  • In the Kapiti Uniting Church Hall in Weka Road, Raumati Beach.
  • Everyone is welcome with a gold coin koha.
  • Spread the word and bring your family and friends.

David’s official title for the talk is The Fourteen.  How and why, in 1917, New Zealand conscientious objectors were kidnapped and taken to France to face German bullets. 

Conscientious objectors were people who opposed the country’s involvement in World War One and refused to serve in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Many agitated strongly against the war holding rallies, meetings and handing out pamphlets. They were regarded as “shirkers” by many and a number were imprisoned for their beliefs. Some of the leading agitators would become cabinet ministers in the first Labour Government in the mid-1930s. 

In August 1916 the Military Service Act brought in conscription, and although men could be exempted on health grounds or because they worked in essential industries, objecting on the basis of personal beliefs was not sufficient grounds for not joining up. In 1917 fourteen of those imprisoned were sent to the Great War battlefield, the Western Front. 

Our November speakers were Wendy Huston and Craig Tamblyn

More than 65 people – our biggest audience of the year – turned out to hear Wendy and Craig speak about the history of the Kapiti Retirement Trust (KRT). Former CEO Wendy covered the evolution of the KRT from its humble beginnings in the 1960s to becoming a multi-million dollar business today with three thriving sites – Muriwai Court, Seven Oaks and Midlands Gardens.

She emphasized the advantages of the Trust model over the private company villages in the huge and growing retirement village industry. The key advantage is that any profit made by the KWT goes back into the Trust to improve the facilities and services. Rymans, Summerset, Bupa and the like have shareholders to keep happy. The KWT also give 50% of the capital gains back to a resident’s estate when they move on.

The KWT provides independent villas, serviced apartments through to dementia care and a hospital wing. The recent opening of the Totara Wing where families can stay at Seven Oaks has further enhanced the KWT’s amenities. Also the upgrading of the bowling-green at Midlands Gardens is another example of improving the facilities. Wendy praised the role of those living in the villages in having active social committees organizing a great range of activities. 

Recently appointed CEO Craig Tamblyn briefly looked at what might lie ahead and handled questions. Someone asked about why the ban on dogs when it is well know that pets are good company for older people, and another questioner asked about the lack of a café. Craig said there would be some changes in the future but did not commit on dogs or a café! 

Reflecting on the 2025 sessions

A number of speakers who had previously addressed the KHS were back on different topics and there were a couple of new ones. 

  • February: Tin Costley on  life before politics
  • March: Rowena Taylor on the Waipiata Sanitorium
  • April: Mark Compain on Anzac Day
  • May: Mike Styles on Dyslexia
  • June: Anthony Dreaver on three Horowhenua identities
  • July: Ian Reid on the building of Wellington airport
  • August: John Granville on Sailors’ Salty Language
  • September: Ann David on the End of Life Choice Movement
  • October: Lynette Shum on Wellington’s Chinatown

Everything in the Society has ticked over very well with Gordon opening up and giving the introductions; Lindsay getting posters out and purchasing the vouchers; David and, at an earlier time, Larry, handling the power point gear and Roger communicating with members and coordinating the advertising. 

Thanks for your attendance and support in 2025. We’ll take break in January.

The 2026 scene

We would be keen to receive suggestions on speakers and topics for next year. 

Linda Hansen will speak on 10 February. “I’m a local author and would enjoy talking to the group next year about some of the wonderful stories and individuals that I discovered during the research for my nonfiction history book, Hidden Stories of Heroism for a peaceful planet (2025).”

 Also the 10 March spot is filled – Virginia Mckenzie talking about her mother Lillian Bilocca and the Triple Trawler Tragedy in Hull, due to unforseen circumstances.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 9 December when David will be speaking on the history of the WW1 Conscientious Objectors at the Kapiti Uniting Church Hall. 

Roger Childs, Gordon Dickson, Lindsay Madden

Coordinators of the Kapiti Historical Society