Māori Battalion's legacy documented in a history

Rifleman John Joseph Bourke, killed in action on September 15, 1916, while serving with the Pioneer Maori Battalion. Bourke, born in Ireland, was the brother of Mrs K Flanagan, of the police station at Rawene.

The history of the 28th (Maori) Battalion's D Company is to be documented by historian Harawira Craig Pearless.

Education Minister Hekia Parata, who chairs the Ngarimu VC and 28th (Maori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund Board, and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry, said the Battalion's A, B, and D companies' histories were being commissioned to complement Nga Tama Toa, the C Company history published in 2008.

"When completed, these documents will mark a significant step towards further preserving the legacy of the 28th (Maori) Battalion. The histories project will also lead to the production of curriculum resources to be used in early childhood education centres, kohanga reo, kura and schools," Ms Parata said.

"Whanau participation will be crucial to the project's success, as they hold the stories, letters, photos and records that will breathe life and colour into the D Company history," she added.

"I'm hoping that whanau will be keen to take part so we can ensure that the history is as rich and detailed as possible, revealing the significant contribution the battalion's men and their families made to this country."

Ms Barry said the history would document D Company's major battles, actions and engagements during World War II, along with the sacrifices made and commitment of the Hou Kainga (home people) in their support of the war effort and dealing with the loss of loved ones.

"The D Company history, alongside the histories of the other companies, will be a highly valuable resource for veterans and their families, and provide historical and educational information for the wider New Zealand public.

"The histories will commemorate the battalion's service to Maoridom and the nation," she said.

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Harawira Craig Pearless is an alumni of Hato Paora College, Massey University and the University of Wollongong.

His PhD dissertation was entitled Moenga Toto Te Whenua: 28 (Maori) Battalion - The Realm of Tu Mata Uenga, while his doctoral research offered a kaupapa Maori perspective on the Maori observance of post conflict remembrance.