Have you ever felt a sense of history just washing over you? Standing here at The site of Camp Paekakariki War memorial, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe at the stories that unfolded on this very ground. It’s hard to imagine now, but this place was once home to thousands of American Marines who were here to train for the Pacific War. This area was known as Camp Paekakariki and was one of the largest of the three Marines camps, housing 5,200 men from the 8th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division.
The Camp Paekakariki Memorial pays tribute to Miriona Mutu Mira Budge, an ancestor of Ngāti Haumia ki Paekakariki, the original owner of this land. It also honours the Marines who lived and trained here. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by these men who left their homes and families to fight for freedom on the other side of the world.
The camp was built very quickly in 1943, built in just seven weeks! It’s hard to imagine how they did it! This all happened because America had joined the war after the attack on Pearl Harbour. The decision was made to bring these men to New Zealand to prepare for the Pacific War, but to also defend the country from the threat of the Japanese. America was at a point where many would have believed that New Zealand was next in line for invasion. Thousands of Marines came to this country during World War II and were spread out across the land. It’s estimated that about 25,000 men were stationed here, in places like Paekakariki, Judgeford, Pauatahanui, Titahi Bay, and Plimmerton.
The camp was an instant town. It had everything the marines needed, including a bulk store, administration blocks, shower blocks and drying rooms, officers’ and sergeants’, and men’s mess buildings. It even had two hospitals and a dry ration store. It was a very important place for the war effort, and the memory of the thousands of Marines who lived and trained here is still present today. It’s a reminder of the many lives touched by the war, both New Zealand and American. From the Marines themselves, to the local people, and even Miriona Mutu Mira Budge, an ancestor of Ngāti Haumia ki Paekakariki, the original owner of the land, who must have seen these changes in her life.