Merchant Navy Day 2025

Mark Merchant Navy Day at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park on Wednesday 3 September. Please be seated in the Hall of Memories by 10:45am.

Merchant Navy Day is observed annually on 3 September, the anniversary of the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after the declaration of the Second World War.

Several thousand New Zealanders served in the Merchant Marine/Merchant Navy during the First and Second World Wars. These civilian volunteers sailed the ships that delivered troops, military equipment, and vital cargoes of food, fuel, and raw materials across the world's oceans. This work was so essential to the Allies' war effort that the Merchant Navy came to be regarded as the fourth service alongside the army, navy, and air force.

The merchant marine in the First World War (NZ History): https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/merchant-marine

The Merchant Navy (NZ History): https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/merchant-navy

Please be advised that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.

You may also like the following events from Pukeahu National War Memorial Park:

• This October, 18th October, 03:00 am, Pukeahu Archaeology Tour in Wellington
• This October, 18th October, 05:00 am, Pukeahu Park Tour in Wellington