The Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Tamaki Makaurau
1 December 2012

‘End of an era’ for Māori Battalion

The Māori Party salutes the survivors of the 28 Māori Battalion as they assemble one last time to remember fallen comrades and reflect on their exploits.

“This is the end of an era because we will not see another national hui – so it is an appropriate time to acknowledge our wartime heroes, and to thank them for the way they upheld the mana of our ancestors, mai rā anō,” said Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples.

“The winding up of the Association will relieve the old soldiers and their whānau of a legal responsibility. But this is not the end of the Māori Battalion by any means.”

Dr. Sharples said “their whānau and the nation will treasure their legacy of service and sacrifice, and their mana will live on forever in the hearts and minds of people in Aotearoa and overseas.”

“Their exploits are recorded in song and haka, on films and tapes and in books, and on the website. They will continue to inspire future generations to give their utmost for their people and their nation.

“Ake, ake, kia kaha e!” We will not forget.”

ENDS

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