Purewa a Living Space
New Zealand Heritage and History
Experience the Continuing Power of
Lives Remembered at Purewa
Our lives have meaning. And meaning is a narrative, the story of our lives.
A place like Purewa exists to preserve the memory of our shared human story through the individuals laid to rest here.
These short films highlight timely and timeless accounts reflecting New Zealand’s history and identity.
Come visit Purewa and explore these stories up close! There is even an app tour available to guide you.
We look forward to seeing you!
Anzac 2025 – Remembering Sir Harold Eric Barrowclough
Witold Bukowski: Polish Hero and Defender of Ukraine
Matariki: Remembering Mere Wharepapa and Partner Tom “Darby” Ryan
Daisy Spurgeon – Grandaughter of Charles Spurgeon
Amelia Haszard Survivor of New Zealand’s Greatest Natural Disaster
Sir Roger Hall on playwright Dean Parker
Anzac 2022: Kiwis Fight the Battle of Megiddo “Armageddon”
Michael Hurst
on actor
Kevin Todd Smith
Sir Edward Elgar’s Kiwi Inspiration
Captain Donald Harkness – Biplane Bomber of Zeppelins in WWI
Arthur Guyon Purchas – New Zealand’s Renaissance Man
Walter Batty: Tongan All Black and Hero of Desert Fight Against Rommel’s Panzers
Select Recent Stories
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Read MorePurewa Remembers Jack Turner—The Man Who Named the Kiwifruit
Did you know that June 15 marks a massive milestone in New Zealand history? It’s the anniversary of the day the Chinese gooseberry officially became the Kiwifruit—and it all came down to a brilliant marketing insight by a legendary Aucklander: John (Jack) Penman Turner, MBE.
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Read MoreThe Kronfeld Family
Gustav and Louisa Kronfeld lived inspiring lives. Gustav, a German-Jewish emigrant to Samoa, and Louisa, Granddaughter of Chief Fiamē of Lotofaga, married and settled in Auckland where their home became a centre of hospitality and symbol of Samoan culture that still resonates today.
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Read MoreBe Prepared - Annie Mona Burgin
Affectionately known as ‘Moby’ to her friends and ‘Captain’ to her girl guides and rangers, Annie Mona Burgin had a profound influence shaping the New Zealand Girl Guide movement.
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Read MoreJohn A. Lee: Soldier, Rebel, and Political Icon
Today marks a significant anniversary in New Zealand’s political history: the expulsion of John A. Lee from the Labour Party on March 25, 1940. A man of fierce conviction and fiery rhetoric, Lee remains one of the most polarizing and fascinating figures in our nation's story.