Mates on the Field
As New Zealand’s national stadium, Eden Park is a place where history, sport, connection and remembrance come together. Through From Field to Front and Mates on the Field, Eden Park continues to honour the legacy of our First World War heroes to help ensure their stories continue to be remembered.
From Field to Front
From Field to Front tells the story of Dave Gallaher, captain of New Zealand’s legendary 1905 ‘Originals’ All Blacks and a figure widely regarded as the father of the All Blacks. Remembered as a leader on the rugby field, Gallaher was also a leader on the battlefield, where he served during the First World War before losing his life in 1917.
Presented by former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, with fellow former All Black Andrew Mehrtens assisting in France, and featuring Sir Jerry Mateparae, the documentary explores the two defining parts of Gallaher’s life through a global soil exchange connecting Eden Park with the Republic of Ireland, France and Belgium. Made in association with Auckland RSA and supported by a family of funders, From Field to Front is a powerful tribute to leadership, service and sacrifice, and to the enduring connection between New Zealand’s national stadium and one of rugby’s most significant figures.
Mates on the Field
On 4 October 2017, Eden Park held Mates on the Field, a special commemorative event marking 100 years since the loss of New Zealand soldiers during the First World War. In a unique tribute to New Zealand’s WW1 heroes, a giant poppy was displayed on Eden Park’s turf alongside personalised white crosses honouring the 492 New Zealanders who lost their lives during the Battle of Broonseinde in Belgium on 4 October 2017, including Dave Gallagher who captained the 1905 All Blacks Originals.
Services were held at both dawn and dusk, bringing people together on the stadium’s hallowed turf to honour fallen soldiers and reflect on the legacy they left behind.
You can make a donation to the Auckland RSA here.
