24 Apr 2014

VC recipient to address Anzac service

7:40 pm on 24 April 2014

Auckland's War Memorial Museum says it is honoured Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata will speak at its Anzac service on Friday.

The former SAS soldier, who has links with Ngapuhi and Te Whanau-a-Apanui, is the guest speaker at the morning service.

Dr Monty Soutar.

Dr Monty Soutar. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Corporal Apiata was given the Victoria Cross in 2007 for rescuing a wounded comrade in Afghanistan.

The museum's incoming historian in residence Monty Soutar says Mr Corporal Apiata has a huge amount of mana.

He says Corporal Apiata's role as guest speaker is a subtle reminder of Maori involvement in war and he embodies the modern serviceman and people will be drawn to the service to listen to Corporal Apiata.

Dr Soutar is being announced as the museum's historian in residence Friday morning.

Corporal Apiata will also speak at the anniversary of the battle of Gate Pa in Tauranga on Tuesday.