In the early 1940s, Paekākāriki village was home to 500 locals and about 15,000 US Marines.
This unique part of New Zealand history has now been immortalised in a new website.
MarinesNZ.com features maps, photos, news clippings, and even videos from the US Marines time being stationed on the Kāpiti Coast during World War II from 1942 and 1944.
Journalist Allie Webber is a member of the Kāpiti US Marines Trust and joins Emile Donovan.
Oct 17, 1943: 'The Post Exchange is always well stocked and is one of the most popular spots in camp. Here Marines may buy their supplies of necessities in toilet articles, candy, cookies, cigarettes, cigars and many Stateside items.' Photo: Cpl. R. A. Matjasic / MarinesNZ.com
