Author(s): Olwyn Ramsey

NZ Military

Waipapakauri, in the Far North of New Zealand, has a history rich in variety and excitement, far beyond its size. The Dalmatian gundiggers changed the landscape for ever. Threatened invation of New Zealand by Japanese forces during World War II was closes than could be imagined and the Far North was its immediate target. This book is written in two parts: Part one records the history of Waipapakauri, where the RNZAF base was situated, and Sweetwater where a NZ army camp was placed for the protection of the base. The story is told of first European settlement in 1883, illustrating the extensive kauri gum industry and other acativities relating to the district, and concludes at the start of the hostilities of WW II in 1939. Part two 1940-1945 consists mainly of the activities around Waipapakauri RNZAF base and radar stations, but also glimpses intho how the presence of armed services impacted on people's lives and changed the Far North, army, home guard, coast watching, Kaitaia aerodrome and Te Hapua airstrip are also included in this section.