The unique contribution Maori made to the World War I effort was recognised at a late morning service on Anzac Day.
About 1000 people turned up to the Maori Anzac service outside the War Memorial Centre.
Ella Lyon from Turakina Maori Girls' College was the guest speaker. She spoke of tangata whenua being used as labourers in the early part of WWI but wanting to be included in infantry. They had to fight to gain mana but became respected members of the Defence Force.
"When Maori fought, there was no standing back. When a warrior falls in the battlefield, another will rise up to take his place," Miss Lyon said.
She also paid respects to all those who lived in hardship during the war. The service is usually held at Moutoa Gardens.
