The Kāpiti U.S.Marines Trust (KUSMT) is a not-for-profit trust registered with the Charities Commission (CC46035). It was established in 2009 by the former Mayor of Kāpiti, Jenny Rowan.
The Trust connects with a wide range of local, regional and national groups with an interest in the collection, conservation, exhibition, and promotion of Marines’ History – particularly in camps Paekākāriki, Mackay and Russell, in southern Kāpiti, New Zealand.
We do this with the aid of great funders, stakeholders, contractors and an interested public who all help connect us to new information. We have been privileged to host veterans and their families returning to Paekākāriki to rekindle old memories and relationships. They always enrich our collection by leaving their stories behind.
Our goal is to keep this significant WWII story alive for future generations by creating engaging signage, relating to the 1942-44 encampment of the Marines in Paekākāriki. We aim to make all our exhibitions on-line and ‘in the field’, engaging for local, national and international visitors who want to learn more about this short but significant period in our district.
The story is made more interesting, because people can engage with it while out walking, running or cycling in Queen Elizabeth Park, Whareroa Farm or in and around Paekākāriki village.
We also share history and stories at a range of events, public ceremonies, talks and discussions.