Special ceremony at Gallipoli to honour Maori contingent

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Veterans Minister Meka Whaitiri says Gallipoli holds a special place in the hearts of many New Zealanders.

The Ikraoa-Rawhiti MP was acknowledging the presence of Defence Minister Andrew Little at Gallipoli yesterday for a special ceremony of rededication and remembrance at the New Zealand “Maori Pah” site.

Mr Little was joined by official representatives from New Zealand, Türkiye and Australia, as well as the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Gallipoli contingent, descendants of 28 (Maori Battalion) and others.

Ms Whaitiri said she had the honour of visiting Gallipoli for Anzac Day commemorations in 2022.

“During a kōrero with the president of the Gallipoli Historic Parks Directorate, Ismail Kaşdemir, I asked whether it would be possible to officially mark the site where the 477-strong Māori contingent of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force arrived at Gallipoli on July 3, 1915.

“Following this, NZDF has worked closely with Turkish authorities and other agencies in creating an information sign and improving access to the site, which is 300 metres off the main road.

“As Minister for Veterans, I am grateful the legacy of the Māori contingent will have a physical presence in Gallipoli where they bravely fought.

“New Zealand’s contribution to the war and the stories of our Māori veterans deserves to be recognised,” said Ms Whaitiri.