25/04/2026
Today we pause to remember those who served and sacrificed.
The 28th Māori Battalion stands as one of the most decorated infantry battalions in New Zealand's history, serving in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy. They fought with extraordinary courage, often for a country whose promises to their people under Te Tiriti o Waitangi had not yet been fulfilled.
Over 3,600 Māori men served voluntarily in the Battalion. 649 were killed or died on active service. 1,712 were wounded. NZ History Their casualty rate was almost 50% higher than the New Zealand average, and the unit received 99 honours and awards, the highest number among New Zealand infantry battalions. Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
They went anyway, driven not by the Crown, but by whanaungatanga, by loyalty to each other, to their hapū, to their uri who remained at home.
He mihi aroha ki ngā tūpuna i hinga i te pakanga. We honour those who fell so others could stand.
Ko tō rātou ngākau māia, ko tō rātou aroha ki te iwi, e kore e warewaretia. Their courage will never be forgotten.
Ake ake kia kaha e. 🌿
Lest we forget. Kia maumahara tonu tātou.
