Although individual New Zealanders served in other nations' armies, the NZ national contribution was in the form of two divisions - one for service in Africa and Europe, and one for service in the Pacific.

The New Zealand division was on the frontline during several important battles, such as El Alamein and Monte Cassino, and ended up deployed in Trieste. In the Pacific New Zealand forces took part in battles during the Solomon Islands campaign.

As for 'were they important', this is probably a value judgement. New Zealand certainly contributed as much as can be expected for a small country, but given NZ's size, I doubt anybody would argue that it was crucial to victory in either the European or Pacific theatres.