OverviewKia whakatomuri te haere whakamua Let us walk backwards into the future with our eyes fixed on the pastThe five-year WW100 First World War Centenary Programme was the most extensive programme of commemorations ever undertaken in New Zealand history. The scale of the programme reflected the immense and far-reaching impact of the war on New Zealand society. It also recognised the powerful benefits for our collective wellbeing that can be realised when communities have the opportunity to come together to reflect on the past and its continued relevance to us today.The WW100 Final Report looks at what was achieved and the impact for New Zealanders. Prepared by the WW100 Programme Office, this report provides an overview of the five-year commemorations programme, and illustrates how it met its original objectives using a selection of centenary projects.It also includes a summary of the key findings from research conducted by Colmar Brunton on behalf of the WW100 Programme Office. Comprising three nationwide surveys completed in 2012, 2016 and 2018, the results make it possible to identify shifts in New Zealanders’ knowledge of, and attitudes towards, the First World War and the centenary programme itself, as well as measure overall engagement.WW100 New Zealand archived website Key Findings 93% of New Zealanders aged 15 years+ engaged in the five-year WW100 centenary programme in some way83% of New Zealanders say they now have at least a basic understanding of New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War, up from 79% in 201239% say they have more than a basic understanding of New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War, significantly higher than in 2012 (31%)89% of New Zealanders feel it was important to commemorate the centenary of the First World War82% of New Zealanders believe the First World War has been relevant in shaping our national identity to some extent71% of those who engaged in the commemorations agreed that it reinforced for them the importance of New Zealand’s commitment to peace.