compulsory military training was reintroduced to New Zealand in 1909 in order for the country to have a constant military reserve, leading to a fairly prepared country at the outbreak of war in 1914.
New Zealand was a country supportive of Britain during the First World War, and this is evident by the contribution of troops and military support provided. Many countries prepared themselves for the possibility of war, and the new Defence Act was passed in 1909 without much opposition from the general public. New Zealand moved from having a Volunteer Force to a Territorial one. It was compulsory to register for all 18-25 year olds.
Militarism was encouraged through cadets and boys scouts, as well as in school. Boys attending school between the ages of 12 and 14, underwent 52 hours of physical training per year, the equivalent of one per week. This was eventually replaced by Physical Education classes.
Society understood the necessity for CMT, with a key factor in its general acceptance the idea that the burden of service was now equally and evenly spread out over New Zealand. There was however some opposition from Christian Pacifists and Socialist Objectors. Refusal to take part in the training led to fines, imprisonment and disenfranchisement.
Compulsory Military Training of 1909 did not extend to Maori, who were trained to be soldiers when they volunteered for World War One.
Further links and information:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/features/southern-military-history/3918687/Time-for-training
Militarism was encouraged through cadets and boys scouts, as well as in school. Boys attending school between the ages of 12 and 14, underwent 52 hours of physical training per year, the equivalent of one per week. This was eventually replaced by Physical Education classes.
Society understood the necessity for CMT, with a key factor in its general acceptance the idea that the burden of service was now equally and evenly spread out over New Zealand. There was however some opposition from Christian Pacifists and Socialist Objectors. Refusal to take part in the training led to fines, imprisonment and disenfranchisement.
Compulsory Military Training of 1909 did not extend to Maori, who were trained to be soldiers when they volunteered for World War One.
Further links and information:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/features/southern-military-history/3918687/Time-for-training