ABSTRACT
The outbreak of war in August 1914 dealt a blow to New Zealand’s German population. Despite having established themselves as part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of the dominion, German residents experienced during the course of the war a virulent campaign of public hostility which, in many instances, was reflected in the aggressive and antagonistic tone adopted by the popular press. The government, led by Ulster-born William Massey, acted swiftly. It introduced legislation to curb German residents’ civil rights which included expulsion from their places of employment and restrictions on their movement. Those considered a danger to domestic security were interned. Further anti-alien measures were introduced during the course of the war which affected their registration, naturalization and employment.
