KEY POINTS:
Ake ake kia kaha e - the war cry of perhaps the country's most celebrated World War II veterans will again ring out from Whakatane this weekend.
About 38 veterans have descended on the eastern Bay of Plenty's Te Hokowhitu a Tu Marae for the reunion of the 28th Maori Battalion.
The line comes from the battalion's song, composed in 1940 by one of its own, Te Arawa's Corporal Anaia Amohau, and means "be strong, for ever and ever".
The rapidly dwindling numbers of battalion veterans prompted organisers last year to increase the celebrations from once every two years to every year.
Only about 70 former soldiers remain from the once 3500-strong force, which fought in North Africa, Greece, Crete and Italy.
Event chairman Hemana Waaka said it was important for the old soldiers to get together while the opportunity existed - a point brought home by the attendance of Amati Paraone, father of New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone, and sole surviving member of the battalion's Alpha company.
The Maori Battalion was made up of four companies, divided into tribal groupings: A - Auckland, North; B - Te Arawa, Matatua and Tainui; C - East Coast tribes to Hastings; D - Hastings to Taranaki and down.
At 90, Mr Paraone is also the oldest surviving soldier and was among the first to enlist.
Mr Waaka said a highlight of this year's event was a planned welcome today at Ruatoki where more than 20,000 Tuhoe tribal members are celebrating their biennial Tuhoe Sports and Cultural Festival.
He said the powhiri was a gesture of respect for host presidents, Tuhoe kaumatua Paora Kruger and Hare Nuku Ratana.
Mr Kruger said the event was a time to reunite, rekindle, recapture, reminisce and remember.
Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia, Army chief Major-General Lou Gardiner and National Maori Affairs spokeswoman Georgina Te Heuheu are expected to attend.
Mr Horomia said the Duke of York's recent recognition of the battalion's Haane Manahi made this weekend's reunion particularly poignant.
Around 500, including battalion widows and other war veterans including those who fought in Vietnam, Malaya and Japan, are expected at the commemorations this weekend.
The 28th Maori Battalion was formed after pressure on the Government by Maori MPs and organisations wanting a Maori unit raised.
Maori earned themselves a fierce reputation as fighters during World War II, and were often used as a spearhead unit.
The Maori Battalion song
In the days that have now gone
when the Maoris went to war
They fought and fought until the last man died
for the honour of their tribe
And so we carry on
the conditions they have laid
And as we go on day by day
You will always hear us say...
Maori Battalion march to victory
Maori Battalion staunch and true
Maori Battalion march to glory
Take the honour of the people with you
We will march, march, march to the enemy
And we'll fight right to the end.
For God! For King! And for Country!
AU - E! Ake, ake, kia kaha e!
A loyal band of Maoris
Sailing from New Zealand
To win us freedom and peace
Marching shoulder to shoulder onward
And we will shout again
Ake aka kia kaha e
Haere tonu haere tonu ra
Kia - o - ra Kia - o - ra
Composed by Corporal Anaia Amohau, Te Arawa, 1940
A proud record of fighting and sacrifice
* The 28th Maori Battalion was formed after Maori MPs and organisations put pressure on the Labour Government soon after the outbreak of World War II to raise a Maori unit for service overseas.
* Its four companies were organised on a tribal basis.
* Some 3500 joined up.
* One in five (655) were killed.
* More than half (1949) were wounded or taken prisoner
* The battalion fought in Egypt, Greece, Crete and Italy.
* New Zealand's commanding officer General Freyburg said: "No infantry had a more distinguished record, or saw more fighting, or, alas, had such heavy casualties, as the Maori Battalion."
* About 70 battalion veterans are living today.
