Maori Battalion website launched

A website commemorating the 28 Maori Battalion has been launched.

The website includes archive photographs, video and an interactive map of the battles the battalion took part in during World War Two.

The site is also interactive and includes a function for families to add the experiences of veterans.

The site was officially launched today at a function at Parliament which 19 of the veterans attended.

Minister of Maori Affairs Pita Sharples said children today are still "overwhelmed with grief and with emotion, as they recognise the sacrifice of those who have gone before them."

"Today, those connections between the young soldiers of the 28th Maori Battalion and the young pioneers of this age, become even stronger."

The 28 Maori Battalion served in Greece, North Africa and Italy. Of the 3600 men, 649 were killed in action, 1712 were wounded and 237 were taken prisoner.

The website is a joint project between the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, National library, Ministry of Education, Te Puni Kokiri and the 28th Maori Battalion Association.

The website can be viewed here.