New Zealand Nurses in the South African War

The profession of nursing in New Zealand was newly emerging when the South African War (1899-1902) broke out. This provided an opportunity for New Zealand women civilian nurses to showcase their professional skills as well as their patriotism.

In September 1899, New Zealand was the first country of the British Colonies to respond, offering men for South Africa. Subsequently, New Zealand troops were the first to land and eager to show their loyalty to Britain. This however, did not include New Zealand nurses who had to campaign for the opportunity to serve.

In October 1899 the Otago Daily Times reported, "Several nurses in Christchurch have offered to accompany the contingent to South Africa". The offer to send New Zealand nurses to South Africa was initially rejected by the Imperial War Department, however after vigorous campaigning from nurses and later support from the New Zealand Government, six trained nurses were accepted. Some nurses were not compensated by the New Zealand Government but by local patriotic committees who supported nurses through fund-raising.