Crowds gather in front of Parliament Buildings in Wellington to celebrate victory in Europe.
News of Germany's surrender reached New Zealand in time for the morning papers on 8 May 1945. Informal celebrations began at once, after Winston Churchill's radio announcement of victory, broadcast at 1 a.m., even though 9 May was declared the official VE Day in New Zealand. A national ceremony took place in front of Government Buildings, and in the afternoon, a Returned and Services' Association parade marched to the Basin Reserve where huge crowds had gathered.
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