Maori Battalion Memorial Scholarships

Hon Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs
Ngarimu VC and 28 (Maori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Awards presentation 2009/2010
The Grand Hall, Parliament House, Wellington, 2 March 2010

Mihi

I want to begin by acknowledging those who have passed on - particularly members of the 28th Māori Battalion. E nga matua moe mai ra.

A warm welcome to members of the 28th Māori Battalion who have joined us here today. Welcome also to the whānau of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu.

Welcome parents, grandparents, whānau and guests of the scholarship recipients. Welcome to distinguished guests of the Board and, most importantly, a very warm welcome to those we are all here for today – our scholarship recipients.

I am honoured to be here today on behalf of the Chair of the Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund Board, Education Minister Anne Tolley, to acknowledge and celebrate the eight scholarship recipients, their whānau, and their schools for their achievements.

It has been three score years and ten since the Māori Battalion fought on the battlefields of the Middle East and Europe, displaying legendary bravery and sacrifice in battle. It is a story that epitomises what it means to be outstanding, to have courage and to gain success.

And today we honour these young Maori, who have begun a role of leadership in the manner of the Maori Battalion soldiers.

The scholars here today have innovative and exciting plans to make a difference for their hapū and their iwi. The plans include establishing a marae, providing healthcare, and making documentaries on Te Ao Māori that educate, inform, challenge and entertain.

The Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships being awarded today have a history.

They honour Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding courage, leadership, and determination. The Victoria Cross is the British Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry.

Second Lieutenant Ngārimu never made it home to Ruatoria. But such was the regard for his deeds that more than 7,000 people attended the hui where his parents were presented with his posthumous Victoria Cross.

A Scholarship Fund was originally proposed in June 1943 to commemorate the bravery of Second Lieutenant Ngārimu and the service of Māori soldiers during World War II. Sir Apirana Ngata played a key role in bringing about the fund.

In 1945 the Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by an Act of Parliament. This was a sign of the prestige and esteem that all New Zealanders held to the contribution and sacrifice of Māori during the war.

When parliamentarians of 1945 talked about the Māori Battalion, they were talking about the leaders, the high achievers among Māori of that generation.

They hoped the deeds of the Battalion would inspire and encourage young Māori to aim high. They knew advancement depended on education. And they saw these scholarships as a way to assist exceptional Māori to go on to influence future generations.

These scholarships are open to all Māori – not just the descendants of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu and other members of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.

Originally the top priority was to encourage Māori students to attend secondary school. But emphasis moved to tertiary education in the 1970s.

In July 2007 there was a change of focus for the scholarships - a desire to capture and reflect the qualities, characteristics and attributes of the soldiers of the Māori Battalion more strongly, and to place more emphasis on the value that recipients can contribute to their people.

The scholarships were broadened to cover a wider range of purposes from academic studies to leadership scholarships for enterprising, innovative and influential people

The criteria require a lot from the applicants. This year there were 57 high quality applicants.

These recipients stand out for their qualities that epitomise the Māori Battalion. They can demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of te reo Māori me ona tikanga. They are pursuing the challenge of new ideas or discovering new fields. And they demonstrate mana, perseverance and courage.

All recipients have a strong affinity with their whanau, hapu and iwi, and they can and do make a contribution to wider New Zealand society. (Their ability to walk in both Māori and non-Māori worlds).

Six of these eight recipients have been students of Māori medium education.

There can be no doubt that the standard of this years recipients is extremely high, and I am proud and privileged to be presenting these scholarships today.

Closing Remarks - Minister Sharples

Conclusion

Today has been a significant occasion for the Ngārimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund Board. We have paid a special tribute to the soldiers of the 28th Māori Battalion, and together we have all celebrated Māori achievement.

To all those who have supported the recipients of the scholarships in their journey – many of whom aren’t here today – we say thank you. You are all part of today’s Maori education success.

Now to you, the scholarship recipients, I have some final words.

On discharging the Māori Battalion in 1946, Lieutenant-Colonel James Henare told his troops, “Go back to our mountains, go back to our people, go back to our marae. But this is my last command to you – stand as Māori, stand as Māori, stand as Māori.”

Take the courage you have gained from the presence and participation of all here today. Take with you our deep and heartfelt best wishes for your educational achievements and success.

Live in celebration of your identity, language and culture. Live knowing you can achieve what you set your heart on. Your ability and determination got you here today. Your whānau supported you to follow your path and succeed. I wish you well.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the privilege of presenting these awards.

ENDS