Original, and rare, Second World War pictorial poster map, New Zealand. Her Natural and Industrial Resources, published by the British Ministry of Information in 1943 and designed by Leslie MacDonald Gill. (More information about this influential designer can be found here.).

From a series of three decorative maps completed by MacDonald Gill for the British government in 1942 to illustrate how the ‘Empire’ was supporting the war effort in a shared, global, endeavour (the other two being maps for Canada and Australia).

This decorative map features illustrations of New Zealand’s agricultural and industrial output, depicted within a red border. At the base, a description declares: When war broke out New Zealand industries were unprepared for munitions production. To-day New Zealand is not only manufacturing many kinds of munitions for her own defence but is making a valuable contribution to the defence of the other areas in the Pacific. When the war is over, New Zealand will convert her new industries for peace-time development.

After the war, the set was reissued with revised messages highlighting the valuable war time contribution made by each country and looking forward to a prosperous and peaceful future.

A higher resolution image is available for viewing on request.