DescriptionLike all of New Zealand, the Clutha District has been significantly impacted by military conflict, most notably World War One and Two. Today, often all that remains of a South Otago community is a war memorial in what is seemingly the middle of nowhere. These memorials list many names, a reminder of the contribution made by small, isolated communities at the bottom of the world. They also sit as a reminder to what these communities once were. A signifier as to what came before. In 2012, the Clutha District Council undertook a project to conserve, restore, and if required, replace these memorials. An acknowledgement of the heritage which these monuments mark.
Beyond military service, the Clutha District has also been important as a base of essential industries with manpower and land girls working in the community during the World Wars. Additionally, a WWII military training camp was based at Waiwera South between 1942 and 1946.
