Speech
28 (Māori) Battalion Reunion
May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.
Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)
May I specifically greet you: Studholme Peneamena, Acting President of 28 (Māori) Battalion Association; Nolan Raihania, Vice-President; Turoa Robinson, Chair of the 2009 National Reunion Committee; Veterans of the 28 (Māori) Battalion; Hon Pita Sharples, Minister of Māori Affairs; Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector; Hon Phil Goff, Leader of the Opposition; Hon Parekura Horomia, MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti; Kaumatua and kuia of Te Atihaunui-A-Paparangi; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for inviting me to attend the 28 (Māori) Battalion 2009 National Reunion.
I wish first to express my condolences on the passing of association President Jim Takarangi, who died two weeks ago.
Uncle Hemi as he was affectionately called was a pillar of the community, a stalwart member of the Association and a kaumatua to this marae. I am advised that for many years he sought for a reunion to be held here and for him to leave us just before this gathering is a double loss.
The Māori Battalion has a proud history of service, to New Zealand, to the Commonwealth and to the Crown.
The point was well made by my predecessor, Lord Freyberg, in his 1955 foreword to the volume that deals with the Battalion’s history in The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War.
Lord Freyberg, who had earlier commanded the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force of which the Battalion was a part, said he was proud to provide the foreword, not only because the Battalion had such a distinguished fighting record, but also because its members were such excellent wartime comrades. He added:
"I believe that when this history is published, it will be recognised more widely that no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw more fighting, or, alas, had such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.
The Battalion was initially involved in the defence of Britain, and later saw service in Greece, Crete, North Africa and finally in Italy. Places such as El Alamein, Takrouna and Cassino, names of some of the many places the Battalion fought with such outstanding valour, have become a part of New Zealand’s history.
The Battalion’s gallantry includes almost one hundred honours. But its roll of honour includes more than 600 deaths in action, active service or as prisoners of war and almost three times that number who were wounded.
Those who served and those who died, fought not just to defeat an authoritarian regime that terrorised our world, but to defend the democratic freedoms that we all hold dear.
On both counts, we owe you and all those New Zealanders who have fought and died to defend their nation and its freedoms, a great debt of gratitude. As Governor-General and designated Commander-in-Chief I thank you all for your service.
The passing of Jim Takarangi is a reminder that the ranks of the Māori Battalion, like all New Zealanders who served in the Second World War, grow thinner by the year. This was originally to be the last reunion, but I understand that plans are a foot for one more gathering next year.
But while the Association will be no more when the last veteran leaves us, the Battalion will never die. The Battalion’s gallantry, the individual acts of heroism displayed by many in its company, and the role it played in defending our nation will never be forgotten. As the chorus from the Battalion’s marching song notes:
Māori Battalion march to victory
Māori Battalion staunch and true
Māori Battalion march to glory
Take the honour of the people with you
We will march, march, march to the enemy
And we'll fight right to the end.
For God! For King! And for Country!
AU - E! Ake, ake, kia kaha e!
And on that note, I will close in Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.