New Zealand Liberation Museum - Te Arawhata — Attraction in Avesnes-sur-Helpe

An absolutely amazing visit to the New Zealand Liberation Museum yesterday. What a beautiful and understated museum......done so well in quintessential kiwi style and class.

Our tour guide, Madame Dharaz Raymonde (ex Mayor of local town Beaudignies), where the NZ soldiers were located prior to taking the town of Les Quesnoy in WW1, did an exceptional job of explaining the continuing link between Les Quesnoy and Cambridge NZ, their twin town. She shared her personal stories with us that meant so much more and really brought home the true meaning of friendship. Our heartfelt thanks to her for giving us her time.

This museum does not showcase war memorabilia, but is more about the stories and friendships that have endured through the last 100 years, and no doubt will endure the next 100 years. The French people of this town deeply appreciated those men from down under who travelled 20000kms and freely gave their lives to free their town.

A remarkable story and beautifully told. A must for all kiwis who come to...

Te Arawhata tells an incredible story of Kiwi bravery on the Western Front. Located within the town of Le Quesnoy, the museum is just a short walk from the historic ramparts that brave New Zealand soldiers scaled to liberate the town’s inhabitants in 1918.

This story-driven museum uses the creative magic of Wētā Workshop to bring this epic history to life. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in how this town in northern France came to share a deep connection and enduring fondness for New Zealand.

The staff are warm and welcoming, the museum itself is beautifully designed, and the facilities are clean and modern. It’s also fully accessible. One delightful touch is spotting all the New Zealand street names around town...

Te Arawhata is the living memory of Maori / New Zealanders' ingenuity and contribution to local history. I found my Great Uncle (William Allwright from Lyttelton) in the database. My grandfather had spoken of his being on the battlefields at La Somme and the mustard gas, which later affected his health. What is most remarkable is the fact that Maori wrote and asked the authorities in New Zealand if they could come to France, when it wasn't at all compulsory for them to become soldiers. I hope that everyone will make the trip to the Museum and that children will find that it is a place for...