Maori Battalion Reunion

Former Maori World War II warriors from throughout New Zealand assembled in Gisborne at Easter to attend the fourth national re-union of the 28th Maori Battalion Association.

Centreing on Poho-o-rawiri, the re-union opened on Good Friday with welcoming speeches by notable local Maoris and former commanding officers of the battalion.

At the opening ceremony, a flagstaff and plaque was unveiled in memory of the men who left from Poho-o-rawiri during the war.

A ceremony was also held to commemorate the gallant Maori lieutenant, the late Moana Ngarimu, who became the first of his race to win a V.C

On Easter Sunday, the battalion attended a service at the War Memorial, and then visited the Makaraka cemetery where a memorial stone was unveiled honouring the former commanding officer, the late Lt-Col Kingi Areta Keiha, M.C.

The scene at Poho-o-rawiri during the opening ceremony

Ivan Kerekere challenges the battalion members as they approach the Poho-o-rawiri marae

Top Gisborne Maori chief, Mr Te Kani Te Ua gesticulates with his stick while welcoming the visitors.

The Hikurangi Maori party, comprised of kinsfolk of the late Moana Ngarimu V.C., welcomes the battalion members with action songs.

A member of the Hikurangi party was Ngarimu's sister, Miss Horowai Ngarimu

Brigadier G. Dittmer, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., original C.O. of the battalion and patron of the association.

Lieutenant- Colonel C. M. Bennett, D.S.O., former C.O. and assistant secretary of the Department of Maori Affairs.

Mr Kahutia Te Hau, a Gisborne elder, speaking at the ceremony.

Mr Arnold Reedy, an elder of the Ngatiporou tribe

Among the official party at the opening ceremony were, from left: Mr J. K. Hunn, secretary of defence, a visitor, Mrs C. M. Bennett, Brigadier G. Dittmer, Mrs Dittmer, Mrs Barker, the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker, Mrs Phillips and Mr F. S. Phillips, president of the Gisborne R.S.A.

Canon W. Rangi (right), a former padre with the battalion overseas, assisted by Rev P. Kapa, unveils the memorial flagstaff plaque in front of the meeting house. Breaking the flag is Mr R. Bartlett, of Tolaga Bay.

The memorial plaque carried the following message in Maori: "This plaque commemorates the gallant men who departed from Poho-o-rawiri for overseas service in World War II, together with the elders and people of Poho-o-rawiri who worked so untiringly during the war entertaining and farewelling the men."

The battalion assembled in the Makaraka cemetery for the service at which a memorial stone was unveiled to the late Lieutenant-Colonel Kingi Areta Keiha, M.C.

Members of the Keiha family pictured during the service. From left: Mr P. E. Coulston (wreath bearer), Mr W. P. Keiha (son of deceased), Mrs M. Keiha (wife), Mr P. Keiha (son), and Mrs W. Keiha daughter-in-law).

The Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev W. N. Panapa, conducting the service at the War Memorial. With him is Mr Kahutia Te Hau.

The battalion marching down Wainui Road to the War Memorial

The battalion marches past the War Memorial led by Brigadier Dittmer and Mr Kuru Waaka, the immediate past president of the battalion association.

Brigadier Dittmer laying a wreath on the memorial while a territorial soldier stands in silent salute with his rifle reversed.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 118 : April 23, 1964

Maori Battalion Reunion