War hero finally honoured appropriately
Georgina te Heuheu
National Party Associate Defence
Spokeswoman
7 October 2006
War hero finally honoured appropriately
National’s Associate Defence spokeswoman, Georgina Te Heuheu, has today expressed her pleasure that Te Arawa war hero Haane Te Rauawa Manahi has finally been given the honour he deserves.
A package of measures agreed to by Buckingham Palace to honour Lance-Sergeant Manahi, who fearlessly lead his men to defeat the enemy at the Battle of Takrouna in Italy in 1943, was released to Te Arawa at Tamatekapua Marae, in Rotorua, today.
"The Waitangi Tribunal must be congratulated for its leadership, as must the Manahi VC Committee, the Returned Services Association, the Government, Te Arawa, and others for their years of work in ensuring Lance-Sergeant Manahi received the recognition he deserves.
"I congratulate them all for their commitment and perseverance in ensuring this brave man has at last been recognised in an appropriate way.”
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