Ration book

This ration book, issued in October 1945 to Beatrice Maud Shepherd (1897-1970), was the fifth series to be issued in New Zealand because of World War II (1939-45). Ration books were graded by age groups, which were marked on the buff covers. For those under 10 years old, there were full rations.

Rationing in New Zealand

Petrol rationing was introduced as soon as war was declared in September 1939 and lasted until June 1946. It was the war’s first impact on civilian life in New Zealand. When Japan’s attack on Southeast Asia threatened other resources, more rationing was introduced.

Ration books

Ration books were first issued in April 1942 to control the purchasing of sugar and stockings. They were issued through the Post Office to the head of each household and became an essential part of daily life. Generally women were in charge of the household’s ration book, as they tended to do most of the shopping. The coupons were cut from the books by retailers.

Clothing and footwear were rationed in May 1942. Each household was given 52 clothing coupons per year. A man’s three-piece suit required 16 coupons. A woman’s dress required four to six coupons – either as a store-bought dress or the material to make it.

Significance

Ration books are reminders of the food and material deprivations experienced by New Zealanders during and immediately after World War II.