From Tikitiki to Gallipoli: Tiahuia in NZDF party for Anzac services

Long way from home: Royal New Zealand Navy Able Writer Tiahuia Turei has spent the weekend at Gallipoli as part of the NZDF contingent supporting Anzac Day commemorations. Picture supplied

Tiahuia Turei (Ngāti Porou) might normally spend Anzac Day at the remote Tikitiki Returned and Services Association on the East Coast.

However, this year the 23-year-old Royal New Zealand Navy Able Writer has travelled to Gallipoli in Türkiye as part of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent supporting Anzac Day commemorations.

“It was a surprise to be given the opportunity, but the honour of my life to be here,” she said.

Over the weekend, the contingent took part in a rededication and remembrance ceremony held at the place where the 477-strong New Zealand Māori contingent of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force made its camp during the costly and ultimately unsuccessful campaign.

The group is also taking part in the traditional services held around the Gallipoli Peninsula on Anzac Day.

“Only four people from my community have been able to travel to Gallipoli to connect with our tīpuna,” Able Writer Turei said.

“I took my people who haven’t been able to be with me, in spirit, to experience what I did on the peninsula.

“I am not only honouring those who passed through haka and waiata, but walking the battlefields they walked.”

Able Writer Turei also has connection with the battlefields of World War 2 as her grandfather and great-grandfather both served in the 28 (Maori) Battalion.

She was determined to follow in their military footsteps.

“Growing up in a very rural, small Māori community and attending kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa Māori my whole life I struggled with the academic side of the entry level for NZDF and failed my first attempt.

“Despite that, with some extra support I was able to pass the second time with flying colours,” she said, which was a lesson for other young people.

“Don’t let failure stop you getting what you want. If it is your desire, put in the work and focus and you will succeed.”