1918 Influenza Pandemic

In 1918, at the end of World War 1, New Zealand suffered major casualties in a worldwide influenza pandemic. Around 9,000 New Zealanders died.

741 people died in Wellington during the pandemic. 667 victims were buried at Karori Cemetery, with others buried at various locations including Bolton Street Cemetery and Porirua Cemetery.

At the height of the epidemic in November for 2-3 weeks the city of Wellington was essentially shut down, while people volunteered to assist with the crisis. Department store Kirkcaldie and Stains closed in order to release staff to assist with the crisis and many other businesses followed suit. A number of temporary hospitals were set up, often in public halls and schools such as Wellington College and St Patrick’s College, Buckle Street.

After some confusion in dealing with the crisis in Wellington, Mayor Luke arranged for a block system to be set up like in Auckland to organise aid and assistance and direct volunteer efforts.

Scouts were a notable group that helped during the pandemic. Adults between the ages of 25 and 45 were most affected by the flu, so organised groups of younger or older people like the Boy Scouts were more likely to be well enough to assist.

After the Pandemic committees were created, studies made on the state of housing, hygiene and overcrowding. Discussions were started between councils, town boards, hospital boards and medical groups to create and discuss future emergency procedures, ways to combat re-infection and prevention.