400 gather at Waiouru to mourn death of general

By CATHY ARONSON and NZPA

About 400 mourners gathered at Waiouru Army Base yesterday for the funeral of former chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant-General Tony Birks.

General Birks, CB, OBE, died on Monday, aged 60, after a heart attack at his home near Whakatane.

He was accorded full military honours at the funeral held outside the Waiouru Marae he had helped establish, Rongomaraeroa O Nga Hau E Wha.

Mourners gathered under Army tents on the grass courtyard outside the marae, where the general had lain in state.

General Birks was honoured with a 100-strong guard made up of Army, Navy and Air Force personnel. His body was taken from the marae on a gun carriage.

He had served in the armed forces for 39 years and was the Defence Force chief from 1995 to 1999.

A Hercules and two buses carried VIPs, military staff and politicians from Wellington to the funeral.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia attended as the Government's representative.

Speakers included former Secretary of Defence Gerald Hensley and General Birks' daughter Tara.

The general's wife, Georgina, and sons Jeremy and Anthony were also present.

Friend and former colleague Brigadier Roger Mortlock gave the valedictory farewell speech.

He told the Birks family that the armed services could never repay them for the general's dedication.

"We know the seven-day weeks and the midnight hours that the general worked. We know the extraordinary concentration that he brought to a problem.

"And we know that we, and the warriors to come, are the beneficiaries."

Brigadier Mortlock said General Birks was a perfectionist, and recalled how he had marked reports.

"They always came back with a mark on them.

"The mark was always the same: four out of 10. So it called for ever-increasing effort, but they still came back with four on them.

"Ultimately, I asked him and he replied that four out of 10 was the highest mark he ever gave.

"About now, General, you are facing the almighty audit, the ultimate personal report. I know you will score four out of 10."

Defence Force spokesman Warren Inkster said General Birks was a loyal and respected soldier.

"He was very much held in high esteem by those above him and under him. It was a very sad day."

As an infantry platoon commander, General Birks saw active service on the Thai/Malaysia border, in peninsular Malaysia and in Borneo. He also served in Vietnam in 1968-69.

In his retirement, General Birks immersed himself in helping at-risk Maori children and his efforts included working with the Prince of Wales Trust.

He was praised as a soldier who cared deeply about the well-being of every soldier.

Brigadier Mortlock placed the success of peacekeeping operations in East Timor and Bougainville at General Birks' feet.

After the public ceremony General Birks' body was taken to Taupo for a private service and cremation.