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Post Second World War

Communist Party poster, 1940s

New Zealand and the Cold War

The Allies victory during the Second World War saw the start of a prolonged Cold War between capitalist Western democracies and communist countries.

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NZ gun crew in Korea

New Zealand in the Korean War

When the UN pleaded for troops for Korea in 1950, New Zealand was among the first nations to respond. It would help cement our role in the 1951 ANZUS Treaty.

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New Zealand gunners loading L5 Howitzer into APC

The Vietnam War

It was our longest, most contentious military experience of the 20th century. Vietnam's impact on national security was decisive, even if few troops were involved.

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New Zealand Special Air Service soldiers in Malaya

NZ and the Malayan Emergency

The 12-year-long Malayan Emergency stemmed from the local communist party's challenge to British colonial administration. New Zealand became involved after 1949.

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NZ and Confrontation in Borneo

NZ and Confrontation in Borneo

In 1963 conflict flared between Indonesia and the new state of Malaysia, backed by traditional Commonwealth allies. New Zealand became involved in 1965.

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