17 April, 2026
The stories of heroes It would be sobering to many. Others may feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. But that is the intention of Western Bay Museum’s new exhibition Unexpected Heroes – to show the reality of war. Launched March 28 and set to run for a few months, Unexpected Heroes tells the stories of
five Kiwis – with strong local connections – who experienced the world wars in different ways. It also shines the light on other unexpected heroes of the wars – animals – with millions dying alongside the men and women they served. “Unfortunately, this is reality – and I believe World War I was known as ‘The Great War’
because it was meant to be the war that would stop all wars,” said museum manager Paula Gaelic, pictured with an exhibition board on the history of war animals. “How little we have learned, as here in 2026 we are still doing it!” Gaelic invited Western Bay residents to the
exhibition to learn more about the sacrifices of all in the two world wars. “With Anzac Day approaching I felt it was important to truly reflect, have we learnt anything? I want our audiences to feel, see and read the reality!” Read more on page 3. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
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