New Zealand Munitions

This classic World War ll propaganda film tours a range of Kiwi factories, reassuring viewers that New Zealand has the heavy industry required to supply its army. Washing machine factories are converted to make hand grenade parts, while others manufacture rifle cartridges and training planes. Soldiers and members of the Home Guard train with grenades, mortars and fast-moving bren gun carriers. Narrator Bill Pollard entones: "This is our striking power: men and munitions." The film was completed in December 1941, four months after government filmmaking body the National Film Unit was born. 

In the last war, only uniforms, boots, saddlery, light personal equipment and small arms ammunition were made in New Zealand. Since those days heavy industry has developed.

– Narrator Bob Pollard

Key Cast & Crew

James Harris

Director, Writer, Camera, Editor

Charlie Barton

Camera

Bob Pollard

Narrator

Bert Bridgman

Camera