Maori Battalion survivors meet for last big hui

The Maori Battalion reunion included a memorial service at the Auckland Museum. Photo / Vince Heperi

The remaining members of the World War II Maori Battalion were in Auckland at the weekend for what was expected to be the last big reunion of its kind.

About 50 men aged between 84 and 101 who fought in the 28th Maori Battalion were welcomed on to Orakei Marae on Friday for the 30th reunion.

But the gathering was tipped to be the last big hui of its kind to honour the men. Organisers are planning to introduce a more intimate yearly meeting.

The president of the Maori Battalion Auckland Association, Brian How, said that although it was not yet confirmed, this year's reunion was expected to be the last of its kind.

Organisers thought it best if the men were brought together in a smaller meeting, rather than a big hui.

Just over 3500 men were part of the Maori Battalion that was formed more than 70 years ago and served in areas including Britain, Greece, Syria and Libya.

Almost 600 men were killed on active service, and hundreds more were injured.

Mr How said the annual reunion was an acknowledgment of the sacrifice that thousands of young Maori men made during wartime.

'It is partly to enable younger generations to pay their respects to what these men did.

"Today we honour them," Mr How said.

About 50 widows were also at the weekend's hui and came from all parts of the country to represent and honour their husbands.

The programme on Saturday included a visit by the veterans to the Manurewa RSA to see a memorial unveiled in honour of the battalion.

A visit to the Papakura Military Camp followed, before a formal dinner at Auckland City's Vector Arena.

Yesterday's activities began with a service at dawn at Okahu Bay, where the veterans were honoured, before breakfast and a memorial service at the Auckland Museum.