Te Hokowhitu a Tu: The Maori Pioneer Battalion in WWI

M E D I A R E L E A S E 11 March 2015

Te Hokowhitu a Tu

The Maori Pioneer Battalion in the First World War

Christopher Pugsley

Main history of Maori and Pacific Island role in the First World War makes welcome return

Maori soldiers signing up for the First World War representing a formidable fighting force – Te Hokowhitu a Tu, or the Seventy twice-told warriors of the war god.

Te Hokowhitu a Tu tells the story of the decisive contribution that Maori and Pacific Islanders made on the front lines of Gallipoli and the Western Front.

Richly illustrated with unique photos and memorabilia, the book balances its account of military exploits with a portrayal of daily life for Maori and Pacific Island soldiers.

To mark the Gallipoli centenary, this April Libro International will re-publish Te Hokowhitu a Tu with a smart new cover and the original text.

Christopher Pugsley’s contribution to military history was recognised by his receipt of the New Zealand Order of Merit Award in January. He retired in 2012 as Senior Lecturer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK, and now works as a freelance historian from his home in Waikanae. The author of numerous books including Gallipoli: The New Zealand Story, Christopher is the principal historian for Te Papa’s Gallipoli project.

Release Date: 16 April 2015 | ISBN: 978-1-877514-77-7 | RRP $39.99

Paperback with flaps, 297 x 210 mm, 148 pages b&w

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