Soldier's 'proud moment'

Private Christian Hohepa was at this year's Gallipoli dawn service.

Ruatoria-born soldier Private Christian Hohepa has travelled a long way since joining the army in 2013.

On his first trip out of New Zealand, the former Ngata Memorial College student was a member of the Maori cultural group that was part of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent to Gallipoli this Anzac Day.

The 33-strong contingent was to play various roles at the two Anzac Day services to be held on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey (the dawn service at the Anzac commemorative site above North Beach and the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair).

Private Hohepa, 21, is currently an apprentice armourer in the army, learning to fix and maintain weapons. Outside the workshop, he's into physical training and enjoys a variety of sports.

"Joining the army was a childhood dream," he said. "Then when I got a bit older I could see it was a path to expanding my knowledge and potential, and also a way that I would be able to help people, which is really important to me."

Although Private Hohepa is interested in most sports, right now his focus is on work and his involvement with the Maori cultural group. He has also taken on the study of mau rakau (traditional weapons skills) through the NZDF.

Private Hohepa said he was overwhelmed by being selected for the Gallipoli contingent.

"I was really surprised and so humbled. There was a lot of talent at the selection wananga and to be chosen was a very proud moment for me, not just for myself but for the fact that I get the privilege of walking the same grounds as the brave soldiers who died here to protect our future."

He isn't the first of his family to serve in the army - his grandfather, John Grace, was a member of the famous Maori Battalion in World War II. The Maori Contingent which served at Gallipoli was the forerunner of the Battalion.

Private Hohepa said the NZDF was a solid career.

"There's just so much opportunity, especially for rural people who might not have the range of experiences you get in the cities. You have experiences and learn in ways that you never would anywhere else."