Waimarama Marae host 28 Maori Battalion

Post date: May 09, 2011 10:48:37 PM

Anzac day was a huge success with Waimarama Marae hosting the 28 Maori Battalion service. There was a good crowd [around 250] in attendance. A number of kawe mate were brought onto the marae that morning including our kaumatua Tuahine Joe Northover. It was a wet day with constant drizzle [which would be a sign of things to come!], however most of the whanau were sheltered from the rain in large marquees. Our guest speakers this year included our two remaining 28 Battalion veterans Bom Gillies and Robert Watene. It was a great occassion for all and especially our tamariki mokopuna. A plaque of rememberance was unveiled at our flag pole. Waimarama had 13 soldiers serve in the Maori Battalion with 12 returning home. The hakari was rawe with uncle Bobs mokopuna singing a few waiata as well as Willie Winitana. Tono to host next years service came from Kohupatiki and Rongomaraeroa Marae with Porangahau wining next years bid to host. No reira kei te maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou!