1940s: Defend New Zealand: Christchurch vs Auckland
July 23, 2019
By AHNZ
Defend New Zealand: Christchurch vs Auckland
“Here, the sons of a race only two or three generations removed from a neolithic people, handle rifles and automatic weapons with almost affectionate care.”
“I saw him doing things with a tommy-gun which would give a Chicago plug-ugly the horrors…For the photographer he went into a wildly whooping war dance, showing his tongue, grimacing fiercely.”
The energetic, passionate, fierce personal spirit of Northern District warriors. That’s how Aucklanders are told about how their territory is being protected in WW2.
Meanwhile, in Christchurch, a very different culture drill with their submachine guns and pose for a very different photograph. Hats, jackets, and a demeanour of seriousness are how the South Islanders like to see their protectors presenting arms.
Just another illustration of how threads of Dignity Culture and Honour Culture are running through New Zealand. How Auckland and Christchurch have different cultural identities. Celebrate the difference! It’s endangered.
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Note: If you want to know how Victimhood Culture defends itself, see here.
Ref. Auckland Star, 6 May 1942; Papers Past
Ref. Christchurch Star, 15 Jan 1942; DA-03316, NZ National Archives.
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