We'll be livestreaming the opening ceremony for the Māori soldiers memorial museum starting at 8am 5 February. The new museum raises awareness of Māori commitment to New Zealand in times of war and the price of citizenship for the indigenous people of Aotearoa
On this day in 1940, eighty years ago, 500 officers and men of 28 (Maori) Battalion marched up the Nias Track to take their part in the ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Everyone praised the fine bearing and drill of the men, who had been in training for less than two weeks. Many in the crowd gathered to greet them, were whanau hoping to get another glimpse of their sons, brothers or husbands before they sailed away to fight in the Second World War. Also present was a guard of honour formed by veterans of the New Zealand Maori (Pioneer) Battalion who had fought in the First World War. Few had any illusions about the how long and arduous this second war was would be. |
OPENING PROGRAMME
8.30 Introduction: Matt Te Pou, MC
Arrival of the official parties: NZDF, Ministerial, and Vice Regal parties
National Anthem
Karakia: Reverend Anthony Brooking, Chaplain
Welcoming address: Pita Tipene, Chair, Waitangi National Trust
Waiata: Buono Notte Mio Amore
Addresses
Waiata: Te Aroha
Waiata: Defence Force solo vocalist performs
Poem: Hoki Mai, Tayi Tibble
Unveiling and opening
Ribbon cutting and unveiling of plaque to mark the opening of the Museum by the Rt. Hon Dame Patsy Reddy
Blessing: Reverend Anthony Brooking, Chaplain
Waiata: Au e ihu
Tour of museum
Final blessing
Waiata: Piko Nei ti Matenga
Waiata: Blue Smoke, Louis Baker
