Title: War Economy

Author: Baker, J. V. T.

Publication details: Historical Publications Branch, 1965, Wellington

Part of: The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945

This text is the subject of: ‘Something of Them Is Here Recorded’: Official History in New Zealand

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Supplies from the United Kingdom fall Away

In the immediate pre-war years the United Kingdom had supplied nearly half of all goods imported into New Zealand, but, as the war progressed, and United Kingdom production became geared to an all-out war effort, many items previously imported by New Zealand were no longer being made. New Zealand had to seek alternative sources or to place more reliance on local production.

Imports from the United Kingdom had reached a peak value of close to £28 million in 1937, but then decreased in value each year until 1942, first because of New Zealand import restrictions and then, particularly in the war years, because of the United Kingdom's inability to supply. In 1942 their value was only a little above £20 million, but the situation was to improve considerably in the following year.