The Home Guard was a wartime armed service during World War II that was established with the primary objective of defending New Zealand from the threat posed by the Empire of Japan.

[1] Within months of the outbreak of the Second World War, and mindful of the potential threat posed by the Empire of Japan, consideration was being given to the formation of a civilian force that would assist in the defence of New Zealand.

[2] The Home Guard, modelled on its British equivalent, was formed in August 1940 under the auspices of the Emergency Reserve Corps Regulations.

Farmers with experience from World War I were used to construct beach obstacles such as barbed wire entanglements and to build concrete pillboxes.

Members of the Home Guard who served for 28 days full-time or 6 months part-time were eligible for the New Zealand War Service Medal.