Recording the stories of our fallen soldiers

Kaitaia's war memorial will be at the heart of a book telling the fallen soldiers' stories.

Kaitaia's historic Angel war memorial will provide the nucleus of a book to be written about the communities in what was then the Mangonui County (now Te Hiku Ward) at the time of World War 1.

"A lot of information, including submissions made by students in the annual Anzac Day memorial competition, was gathered in the process of fundraising over the last four years, refurbishment of Kaitaia's World War 1 memorial and its rededication on the anniversary of its centenary on March 24, 2016," Kaitaia War Memorial Restoration Group convenor Ray Beatson said.

"We felt that history was extremely important, and that if nothing was done to capture it in a meaningful way it would be lost, possibly forever. Our view was supported by members of Te Ahu Heritage Museum Trust, and accordingly it was decided that the writing of a book should be commissioned."

Kaitaia's historic Angel memorial would be included, along with comment on the relationship between people in the community (Maori, Pakeha and others).

Mr Beatson said the book would be of significant historical, cultural and heritage value, locally and nationally.

It was envisaged that the book would provide a record of the communities in the Mangonui County - Awanui, Fairburn, Herekino-Whangape, Houhora-Waiharara, Kaingaroa, Kaitaia, Mangonui, Peria, Pukepoto, Pukepoto-Ahipara, Takahue, Te Kao and Victoria Valley - over the period leading up to and including 1914-1918, along with contemporary information.

He would be contacting Te Hiku iwi to let them know about the project, seeking their support and stories they might have about family members whose names appear on the memorial.

"We are extremely fortunate and grateful that local historian and writer Kaye Dragicevich has agreed to undertake the task for us," Mr Beatson added.

"The goal is to have the manuscript available for printing by August next year so the book can be published and available before November 11, the 100th anniversary of the cessation of World War 1."

Restoration group treasurer David Russell said fundraising would continue to meet the costs of the book's production. Te Hiku Community Board had granted $5000, giving the project a major boost.

Kaitaia Rotary Club president Henare Gabel said his organisation had been part of the community for more than 60 years.

It had supported the angel's restoration, and was 100 per cent behind this new project.
"We ask that others in the community provide their support as well," he said.