Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 15, 2014 10:13:13 GMT 12
Commemorative Maori Battalion house opens in Gisborne
Published: 10:04AM Saturday November 15, 2014 Source: ONE News
A memorial house commemorating the 28th Maori Battalion C Company opens in Gisborne today.
Formed in 1939, the 28th Maori Battalion was a World War II voluntary rifle unit which served overseas. Between 1941 and 1945 the Maori Battalion forged an outstanding reputation on the battlefields of Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy.
The Gisborne house is the new permanent space for an exhibition, which will house photos, taonga and other military memorabilia, and is adjacent to the existing Tairawhiti Museum.
Education Minister Hekia Parata says C Company has a special place in the history of the East Coast region and New Zealand.
"The soldiers of C Company were part of one of New Zealand's finest fighting forces. Ngā Tama Toa Trust and Tairawhiti Museum have done a fantastic job managing the collection of taonga and informing the public of the achievements of the soldiers.
"This house ensures the spirit and sacrifice of the soldiers of C Company is recognised and remembered. Locals and visitors to Gisborne now have a place to go to acknowledge the soldiers' contribution and reflect on their triumphs and tragedies."
Ms Parata attended the ceremonial opening which took place almost 100 years to the day that 60 Maori volunteers departed Gisborne for WWI. As part of the ceremony, 60 serving soldiers marched in a parade to honour those soldiers.
The Government contributed $500,000 towards the construction of C Company House, on top of funding of $600,000 under the Regional Museums Policy to the Tairawhiti Museum's redevelopment and extension project.
tvnz.co.nz/national-news/commemorative-maori-battalion-house-opens-in-gisborne-6130877
Published: 10:04AM Saturday November 15, 2014 Source: ONE News
A memorial house commemorating the 28th Maori Battalion C Company opens in Gisborne today.
Formed in 1939, the 28th Maori Battalion was a World War II voluntary rifle unit which served overseas. Between 1941 and 1945 the Maori Battalion forged an outstanding reputation on the battlefields of Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy.
The Gisborne house is the new permanent space for an exhibition, which will house photos, taonga and other military memorabilia, and is adjacent to the existing Tairawhiti Museum.
Education Minister Hekia Parata says C Company has a special place in the history of the East Coast region and New Zealand.
"The soldiers of C Company were part of one of New Zealand's finest fighting forces. Ngā Tama Toa Trust and Tairawhiti Museum have done a fantastic job managing the collection of taonga and informing the public of the achievements of the soldiers.
"This house ensures the spirit and sacrifice of the soldiers of C Company is recognised and remembered. Locals and visitors to Gisborne now have a place to go to acknowledge the soldiers' contribution and reflect on their triumphs and tragedies."
Ms Parata attended the ceremonial opening which took place almost 100 years to the day that 60 Maori volunteers departed Gisborne for WWI. As part of the ceremony, 60 serving soldiers marched in a parade to honour those soldiers.
The Government contributed $500,000 towards the construction of C Company House, on top of funding of $600,000 under the Regional Museums Policy to the Tairawhiti Museum's redevelopment and extension project.
tvnz.co.nz/national-news/commemorative-maori-battalion-house-opens-in-gisborne-6130877
