More than 70 years have passed since 3,600 young Māori men landed in Europe and North Africa to take on Hitler’s devastating German army. During World War Two these sons of Aotearoa carved out a formidable reputation and to this day, they remain New Zealand’s most decorated battalion. Kōkiri was honoured to be at the National War Memorial and Pipitea Marae on the 1 December 2012 to witness the winding up of the 28th Māori Battalion National Association.

Surrounded by family, friends and distinguished guests; on a day of solemn reflection as well as celebrating one of the finest fighting units in World War Two, the 28th Māori Battalion National Association came to an end.

As a verse in the famous 28th Māori Battalion song goes; “Old soldiers never die”. Those who remained gathered faithfully at 30 reunions during 54 years under the auspices of the Association. They remembered fallen comrades and those who had passed on since the Second World War and enjoyed each other’s company again.

By 1 December 2012, only 25 veterans remained from the 3,600 who served overseas. But just 12 were able-bodied enough to attend the two events to mark the wind-up of the Association.

A Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Commemorative Service at the National War Memorial in Wellington had full military honours with special guests including the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, the Associate Minister of Māori Affairs Hon Christopher Finlayson and Chief of Defence Lt-Gen Rhys Jones.

The old soldiers had been working towards the final hui since the idea was first mooted about seven years ago, says Matt Te Pou who has been chairing Association meetings.

“They (the remaining veterans) decided on the wind-up themselves,” Matt Te Pou says. “As the years went by and more veterans passed on, the old soldiers knew the time was approaching for them to wind-up – none of them wanted to the ‘the last man standing’”.

Greytown brothers Tyler and Chaz Matthews (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) laid a wreath on behalf of all descendants of the 28th Māori Battalion as an acknowledgement of their legacy being carried forward. Their grandfather Kingi Matthews (D Company) was too ill to attend the ceremony.

Tyler said his grandfather was younger than he is now when he went to war. He hopes to help keep the battalion spirit alive by continuing to attend dawn parades and passing stories on.

“Our grandfathers sacrificed everything for our futures. We should honour them by working hard out at whatever we are doing, and to never forget what they did for us. We owe them that much.”

The Final Official Luncheon of the Association was held at Pipitea Marae later in the day. After kai and speeches, the 28th Māori Battalion banner was marched out for the final time and the soldiers returned to their homes.