Battlefields trip

Huia Brown says her trip to France was nothing short of amazing.

In early July Huia (pictured left) travelled with 10 other youth ambassadors representing New Zealand at ceremonies marking 100 years since the start of World War 1.

"My experience was too incredible for words, it was truly overwhelming."

The Stratford High School student was selected for the experience after completing an application process outlining why she should be chosen. "A distant relative on my Dad's side was a private in the Maori contingents and while we are unsure if he made it to the battlefield, I wanted to see the places he saw."

The group spent the majority of their time in Arras in northern France. "We got to see a lot of the tunnels that were used in the war which were built by New Zealand soldiers."

Huia says that as enjoyable as her trip was, it was also "very eye opening".

"Here in New Zealand you see a monument in each town commemorating the war, over there is a full cemetery in every town." Huia adds that in the rows of gravestones, "it was hard not to feel for them especially when you see a soldier from the Maori battalion".

As well as learning a lot, Huia had a fantastic time meeting new people. "My host family were amazing, they really looked after me."

She adds that she has found life-long friends with the other youth on the trip.

Huia says that her experience in Europe was life changing and adds "everyone should take any chance they can to travel and learn about our history".