Holocaust Centre of New Zealand

A small group of volunteers including Holocaust survivors refugees and their descendants started it. This is the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to remembrance education and action against hate. Located at 80 Webb Street in Wellington it stands as the country’s national Holocaust education and remembrance centre. Established in 2007 the centre honours victims and survivors. Its core exhibition highlights unique New Zealand connections to the Holocaust. You’ll hear survivor stories from before during and after the Holocaust. The exhibition features a timeline of events in Europe alongside New Zealand’s responses. It’s a powerful parallel. You’ll see original photographs images and artefacts. There are video interviews too. Don’t miss the display of 1.5 million buttons a poignant reminder of the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust. A travelling Children’s Holocaust Memorial also commemorates these children. A map of Europe shows the devastating impact of the Holocaust on the Jewish population. The centre also features panels on the Deckston Orphanage. You’ll learn about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Created in response to the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II it outlines fundamental human rights for all. The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand offers more than just a static exhibition. It hosts temporary exhibitions like ‘Auschwitz to Aotearoa’ showcasing the stories of nine Jewish women who survived Auschwitz and settled in New Zealand. Another exhibition explored the ‘Anguish of Liberation as Reflected in Art’. It displayed artworks created by survivors immediately after liberation. ‘SPOTS OF LIGHT To be a Woman in the Holocaust’ highlighted the experiences and choices of Jewish women. The ‘Some Were Neighbors’ exhibition examined collaboration and complicity in the Holocaust. A compelling exhibition ‘Finding Hope Seeking Refuge in Aotearoa New Zealand’ explores New Zealand’s response to the Holocaust. It looks at the country’s actions during this dark time in history. This powerful exhibit examines the impact of Jewish refugees on New Zealand society. The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand is a place of learning remembrance and action. It inspires us to fight against antisemitism discrimination and apathy. It is a centre for education and remembrance. Its free admission encourages everyone to visit and learn. So take your time explore and remember. The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand is a significant part of Wellington and New Zealand’s history. This is a place where the past helps shape a better future.