We are pleased to announce that the Kāpiti United States Marines Trust is now able to accept $US donations via our partnership with the Chapel & York US Foundation.
Between 1942 and 1944, more than 15,000 US Marines were stationed in Kapiti New Zealand; some were recuperating from Guadalcanal, others training for the assault on Tarawa Atoll.
‘The boys’ in camps Mackay, Russell and Paekakariki quickly became our temporary sons and friends. Many of them married New Zealand girls after the war and this lead to long-lasting family relationships.
The Kāpiti US Marines Trust is an active heritage tourism organisation, established in 2010 to preserve the historic sites around Paekākāriki and the scenic Kāpiti Coast, as well as the images, stories and family connections of the thousands of young Marines we remember. Every year, our community hosts a Memorial Day ceremony at the Marines Memorial in Queen Elizabeth Park (formerly Camp Russell).
The Trust has created a number of successful Marines’ heritage tourism facilities, but they always need up-grading. We are in the process of developing two new, modern trails for walkers and cyclists of all ages and abilities, using QR-linked signage at multiple sites to re-animate life in the camps and bring back glimpses of the Marines' life in New Zealand.
We continue to maintain a comprehensive archive of photographic images, moving pictures, letters and stories of the Marines which is accessible on this website. We also provide niche tours and assistance with genealogical research.
Help us to preserve and share the legacy of the United States Marines in New Zealand.