1914 - 1922 saw 626 nurses and masseuses serve in the NZANS, as well as many women who worked with, but were not members of the NZANS. All the women who were members of the NZANS were attested (sworn to serve for the duration of the war) and issued with Regimental Numbers, whereas the other women were never attested and not issued with a Regimental Number. Their attachement to Military Hospitals was controlled by the Matron-in-Chief who was also the Inspector of Hospitals for the Public Health Department.

When the nurses joined the NZANS they were issued with their NZANS Badge which had engraved on the back their Registered New Zealand Nurse (RNZN) number.

The Rolls for WW1 list those who were attested in the NZANS, civilian nurses and massueses and VADs (Voluntary Aid Detachment) known to have been attached to Military Hospitals. Please note that the Rank of the nurses of the NZANS listed is the Rank held at time of attestation.

Masseuse training in New Zealand began around 1912 and those who passed the course were issued with certificates. Some trained overseas and many nurses of the NZANS serving overseas during WW1 also trained as masseuses. Finally in 1920 New Zealand passed an Act known as the Masseurs Registration Act, 1920. It allowed for those who had passed exams and worked as Massueses prior to the Act being passed to Register.

Upon Registration they were issued with a number and a badge which had their name and number in engraved on the back. Therefore where known their Registration number and date is included in the Rolls with the letter (M) beside their number.

The Rolls are made up of two parts, service detail and personal detail which includes the New Zealand Registered Nurse, Registration Number,not previously listed.

If you have any information relating to these women or there is a name you consider should also be included please contact me.