Brian "Bo" Ngata's funeral service was held last Friday at Rahui Marae, Te Riu o Waiapu. Photo / Cushla Tangaere-Manuel Facebook
Brian "Bo" Ngata's funeral service was held last Friday at Rahui Marae, Te Riu o Waiapu. Photo / Cushla Tangaere-Manuel Facebook
Family, friends and colleagues are mourning the loss of retired Major Brian “Bo” Ngata MNZM, RNZA, 11th Sergeant Major of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army.
A funeral service was held last Friday, where hundreds gathered at Rahui Marae, at Te Riu o Waiapu on the East Coast to sharetheir condolences.
Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel took to social media to share her condolences, saying he was a man remembered for having a “‘big boot and big fists’ ... but an even bigger heart”.
“Over these past few days, Bo has been remembered as a beloved brother, uncle, papa, cousin and friend, a revered leader and mentor,” she wrote.
“A farewell truly fitting of the immense contributions he made throughout his life.”
Retired Major Brian “Bo” Ngata MNZM, RNZA, the 11th Sergeant Major of the New Zealand Army. Photo / NZ Army Facebook
The New Zealand Army, in a Facebook post, said Ngata was “a proud East Coaster” who enlisted in the regular force of the Army in 1978.
The post said he assumed senior enlisted positions across Army formations and Headquarters Joint Forces, leading to his appointment as the NZ Army’s 11th Sergeant Major in 2006.
He later commissioned and completed his military career as a major overseeing foundational training in Waiouru.
Major General Rose King, Chief of Army, said the New Zealand Army had lost a “leader, mentor, and good friend” and would “reflect and honour his legacy by following his example of leading with mana and strong values”.
“He was awarded numerous medals to recognise his service during his career and one particular citation summed up his professionalism and approach: “A consistently high achiever who demonstrated the very highest standards expected of a non-commissioned officer, and his dedication to the service is exemplary. Unselfish and tirelessly volunteering his personal time to the maintenance of the morale and wellbeing of his soldiers and their families.”
Many shared their condolences on a post from Waiapu RSA, highlighting Bo’s dedication to his community, welcoming nature, and eagerness to teach and share his wisdom.
