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Story: Public health

Memorial on Matiu (Somes Island)

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Memorial on Matiu (Somes Island)

Matiu (Somes Island) in Wellington Harbour was used as a human quarantine station until the end of the First World War. People on board ships arriving in Wellington who showed signs of infectious illness were quarantined on the island in an effort to preserve the health of local residents. This is a memorial to those who died from their illnesses while on the island.

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How to cite this page

Kerryn Pollock, Public health – Managing public health, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/31358/memorial-on-matiu-somes-island (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 31 May 2011, reviewed and revised 7 July 2019 with assistance from Richard Edwards.