Frequently asked questions about the Vietnam War Oral History Project
How long does it run?
The Vietnam War Oral History Project will run over four years, from 2007. Oral history interviews with veterans and their families will be archived in the Alexander Turnbull Library's Oral History and Sound collection in Wellington, with use subject to access conditions agreed by the interviewees. At the end of the project, the digital history on this website will continue to be publicly available as a digital archive.
Why is it happening?
Recording the stories of New Zealand's Vietnam veterans and their families was a key theme in the nationwide meetings which led to the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding between the Crown and Veterans' representatives. An oral history programme, run by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, was one of the elements agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Who's behind the project?
The History Group of New Zealand's Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage is leading the project. The Ministry is a government department with many years of experience in documenting the history of war. This website complements the Ministry's broader New Zealand history website, NZHistory.net.nz.
What will happen to the submissions?
The website, together with the oral history interviews, will be used to develop educational resources and other historical material about New Zealand's involvement in Vietnam.
How can I find out whether my relative served in Vietnam?
The nominal roll of New Zealanders who served in Vietnam (also known as the Vietnam List) is included in the resources section of this website. It can be searched by family name, service number and unit. We're keen to receive corrections and will pass these on to those responsible for maintaining the list.
How do I find out more about the oral history project?
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage wants to hear from veterans and their families who are interested in taking part in the oral history project. You can email the project at [email protected] or write to the team at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, PO Box 5364, Wellington, New Zealand.
