The president of the Maori Battalion Association says the winding up of the organisation on Saturday was a fitting tribute to the remaining veterans and to the memory of those who served during World War II.
The battalion association held a remembrance service at the National War Memorial in Wellington on Saturday, followed by lunch at Pipitea Marae.
Nolan Raihania says it was better to have a fitting farewell, rather than just allow the association to fade away.
He says he hopes rangitahi (young people) learn from the Maori Battalion.
Mr Raihania says he's not advocating war but puts the emphasis on the ideals of kindness and respect for one another and for themselves.
He says the closure of the association brings with it a mixture of sadness and immense pride.
