ANZAC Day is a time to remember those who did not return to our shores and those who passed after returning. It is a special day for many, including my whanau for various reasons.
My passport name is Patrick Ngahihi o te ra Bidois but most people know me as Ngahi. The name Patrick was given me by my father to honour my grandfather Pakau Tanirau. He legally adopted my mother Doreen Tanirau before travelling overseas with the 28th Maori Battalion, making the supreme sacrifice when he lost his life in battle. He is buried in a cemetery in Tunisia and his photo hangs in the Rotorua Museum alongside many others who gave their lives.
He did not return to my mother, his young bride Riini nee Douglas and the community of Reporoa.
My father Michael John Bidois, known as Tommy, also served overseas. He was in the 1st Battalion and served in Malaysia. Fortunately, he returned to my mother and made her his bride.
I was talking with Robyn from the local printing company Copies etc recently who told me about her uncle who did not return.
She was fortunate to visit his grave which is in a small churchyard on the border of Scotland and England. He is one of 22 Kiwi airmen aged between 18 and 24 who lie in that same small cemetery and did not return.
I am sure that most of us know others who gave their lives in wars overseas so that we may live here in New Zealand in peace.
ANZAC is a special day for many of us when we are reminded of the frailty of life and the opportunities we have been given with commemorative hui held throughout Rotorua.
As a whanau we have been attending the dawn service at Muruika Urupa at Ohinemutu followed by services at Whakarewarewa school and the Whakarewarewa bridge.
This year we will also return to Awahou marae (Tarimano) for the 10am service to honour those from Ngati Rangiwewehi and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to Awahou if you wish to attend.
ANZAC day is a day to remember those who have died and remind ourselves of the precious gift of life which we have been given.
Kia maumahara tatou i a ratou.
Ngahihi o te ra is from Te Arawa and is an International Speaker, author and consultant. His book is available at Mcleods book store and the Lakeside cafe in Rotorua. His website can be viewed at www.ngahibidois.com.