No less than 100,000 U.S. Marines landed on the Pacific islands 
of New Zealand during the Second World War. This caused more
than a few family trees to sprout. Americans first came to the 
region in the 1830s as whalers and sealers and in the 1840s as 
firearms dealers. American warships visited New Zealand ports 
again in 1908 on a Pacific goodwill tour.

New Zealand's plight during the 1939-1945 War was real and 
frightening. Japan had decided to isolate Australia from its 
allies. In implementing such a strategy, Japan could well have 
invaded New Zealand to strengthen her blockade. So, New Zealand 
turned to her American cousins for protection and on 14 June 
1942, the USS WAKEFIELD arrived at Auckland with 5,000 troops 
aboard.

Before long, American forces were everywhere. They were based in
brigade and divisional strength at camps near the North Island 
cities of Auckland, Masterton, and Wellington. In less than six 
weeks, a camp for 20,000 marines was built at Paekakariki, some 
80km from Wellington. A stream of American warships began to 
arrive at New Zealand ports and the white star of the American 
bombers and transports was a familiar sight on the local
airstrips.

The marines were given hotels for officer accommodation. Motor 
camps and racecourses were adapted for use as camps, warehouses 
were leased, wharves were reserved and car park sites 
appropriated. New Zealanders welcomed their American cousins 
with enthusiasm. Some were surprised to find themselves regarded
as aliens by the Americans.

The New Zealand girls certainly found the American GIs 
attractive. Tens of thousands besides were sufficiently 
impressed to drink with them in the "Ladies Lounge." But, 
scuffles soon broke out as Yankee sailors and the local lads 
fiercely competed for the available female company.

By July 1943, the New Zealand Home Guard went into reserve, and 
the residents of these islands slept safely in their beds once 
more. Fewer American serviceman were seen on New Zealand 
streets, the once busy camps now empty.

And so, the Yankee visitors went home again, after one year's 
sojourn in Kiwi Land. Many New Zealand girls were carried off 
back to America as war brides and now have next generation 
descendants, some in their mid-50s.