Feilding iwi Ngati Kauwhata will on Tuesday bury one of its most distinguished sons, Bruce Poananga, with full military honours.
Major Poananga, who also has Ngati Porou, Whanganui and Toa Rangatira whakapapa, died on Friday aged 79.
His military career included service with the Maori Battalion in Italy, in 'J' Force, leading the Fijian contingent in the Malaya Emergency and serving with the United Nations in Jerusalem during the 'Six Day' War.
His daughter, Atareta Poananga told Waatea News he played a significant role in an incident at the end of the World War II, when Tito's Yugoslav forces were about to over-run the Italian city of Trieste.
Major Poananga's funeral is at 2pm at Aorangi marae in Fielding in Manawatu.
Me noho tonu koe i to ahuru mowai takoto mai ra.
