New Zealand Liberation Museum finally opens in Le Quesnoy, France

After years of campaigning, a memorial museum has officially opened in the northern French town of Le Quesnoy, celebrating the role of New Zealanders who fought across Europe in both world wars. The New Zealand Liberation Museum - Te Arawhata features major pieces from Weta Workshop, and is now a permanent fixture in the small town, where one of the final commemorative events of World War One took place. On November 4, 1918, Kiwi soldiers scaled the ancient walls of the town with a ladder, and liberated the people there after four years under German occupation. Not a single civilian was killed, but 135 New Zealanders lost their lives. Auckland military historian Herb Farrant has worked to secure millions in funding for the memorial, and he joins Kathryn Ryan from Le Quesnoy following the opening day.