City of Health

Between 1942 and 1944 thousands of American servicemen were 'in camp' in New Zealand, either before or after seeing action in the Pacific. This early National Film Unit documentary captures life in an Auckland military hospital, where wounded US soldiers went to recuperate. Servicemen take part in occupational therapies like 'Māori carving' and boat building, and frolick about in the harbour. There are shots of Auckland industries, a woollen mill and a weapon factory, and footage of a military parade in front of the Auckland War Memorial (now the Museum).

To own a yacht is the Aucklander's first ambition. After that he wants a home in Auckland with a garden and a view.

– The narrator sums up an Aucklander's aspirations in the 1940s

Key Cast & Crew

Bert Bridgman

Camera