11 August 2007
By Denise Landau
Assistant Editor, Army News
Corporal Willie Apiata VC was formally welcomed home to the marae at Te Kaha today, among whanau, friends, former soldiers and invited guests.
His stature as a national treasure was joyfully celebrated by all attending the full day of ceremonies.
One of the most moving scenes in the day was followed CPL Apiata receiving a greenstone (pounamu) mere. He turned to face a group who performed a spirited version of the ruamoko haka which is about the earthquake god.
With tears in his eyes, the strong emotion he felt showed all over his face. Onlookers saw that this culmination of ceremonies had clearly touched him deeply.
Several dignitaries from tribes spoke. The prominent tribes were from Willie’s home lands, Te Whanau-A-Apanui, and the significant tribe which links with the area, Ngati Porou from East Coast. Willie’s father’s side, Nga Puhi from Northland were also an important part of the ceremonies.
A special korowai (cloak) was placed around CPL Apiata’s shoulders in recognition of his status in being awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand.
He looked almost like royalty as he sat in the first row with Prime Minister Helen Clark, the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, Minister of Defence Phil Goff, Minister of Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, and a host of other VIPs.
Many of the speakers shared that CPL Apiata was a taonga (treasure) for all New Zealanders.
They remembered those who had departed and some tributes to all serving men and women, past and present, who had heard the sound of battle.
The first Victoria Cross awarded to a Maori was done so posthumously - for 2nd Lieutenant Moana-nui-a- Kiwa Ngarimu for gallantry in North Africa in 1943. His photographic portrait was placed in prominence at the meeting house, Tukaki. Ngarimu VC, like many Ngati Porou, have historical links with Te Whanau-a-Apanui and Te Kaha marae.
Many photos of fallen former soldiers from the tribe were placed for all to see and to remember.
Celebration with song, dance and laughter were an important part of the day. As this was history in the making, media interest was huge. Journalists and photographers took every opportunity they could to capture the events as the day progressed.
See images taken at the Homecoming at our Image Gallery.
ENDS