Maori Battalion
Untold Kiwi war stories brought to life
Author Renée Hollis admits she was a bit overwhelmed by the response she received when she put out a call on RNZ National for listeners to send her untold stories, letters, diaries and photographs… Audio, Gallery
Kei Warewaretia tātou - Lest We Forget
Captain Harding Waipuke Leaf was killed in action in Crete 1941, two of his descendants talk about his extraordinary service in both World War I and World War II. Dr Monty Soutar's book about the… Audio, Gallery
11: The Second World War
A second world war swept the globe, dragging New Zealand once more onto the battlefield, this time in the Pacific as well as Europe. In the likes of Crete, Greece and North Africa and on Pacific… Audio
Dr Monty Soutar - The Maori Battalion
The 28th Battalion of the Second World War, better known as the Maori Battalion, had a formidable reputation as one of the finest fighting forces but it came at a great cost: of the 3600 soldiers, 660… Audio
Beyond the Battalion
The survivors and descendants of the 28th Māori Battalion who in 1977 travelled back to the European battle sites and cemeteries of WWI – and the forgotten Kiwi filmmaker who documented their… Audio, Gallery
Commissioned: Local Government Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner
Sir Wira Gardiner is chair of the Local Government Commission overseeing our 78 local authorities, 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities. Rodney, Waiheke and the Wairarapa could all have… Audio
No ceremonial support at tangi for last A Co soldier
The family of the last serving member of the Maori Battalion's A Company is unhappy the government turned down its request for ceremonial support to lay the 92 year old soldier to rest. Audio
Last of Maori Battalion's A company has died
Charlie Petera fought with the the 28th Maori Battalion's A Company or "Gum-Diggers", in North Africa and Italy between 1941 and 1945. Audio
Elderly vets tell Waitangi Tribunal their story
Two of the last surviving soldiers of 28 Maori Battalion have told the Waitangi Tribunal of their experiences of war and its aftermath. Lois Williams was there. Audio
Helene Leaf and Anania Wikaira
In the Far North, Captain Harding Leaf is quite legendary. He fought in the first World War at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. An athletic man who also was known for his keen sense of humour, he… Audio
28th Maori Battalion veteran dies aged 96
The country's last surviving original 28th Maori Battalion members has died at the age of 96. Audio
Māori at Gallipoli
Te Papa curator Puawai Cairns has been researching the stories of Māori men at Gallipoli. She discusses their reasons for volunteering, what happened to them and reuniting families with the stories of… Audio