A Masterton musician is hoping his simple song from the heart will touch people around New Zealand as it is launched in memory of the Maori Battalion this Anzac Day. Sam Pene composed Anzac Day The War, to honour the Maori Batallion members both past and present, in lightof the fact there are so few of the old soldiers still alive. "In time it will be just the past," Pene said. The song is intended to be performed at Papawai Marae Anzac service on April 25. After singing the song to Kingi Matthews, of Papawai, one of the survivors of the 28th Maori Batallion, Pene realised he was on to something. "All the people of that age said: 'You can't back out now, Sam'." The first verse of the song directly addresses the Maori Batallion soldiers, with the appeal to "bring (them) back home". The second verse is from the point of view of the wife left behind, comforting her children who "ask me where you have gone". The third verse is written to both inspire Maori young people today, especially those in the armed forces, and assure the remaining old soldiers that the new generation is "here forever" to remember those who have fallen. Pene believes Maori must hand on to the heritage of their ancestors who fought for them. "You can never desert that." The main message is "don't forget". Combined with a simple, slow melody, Pene hopes the words will touch hearts around New Zealand as the song spreads. He is having the words translated into Maori and finding both singers, musicians and kapa haka performers, as the song will include a haka in its performance. He wants a violin, trumpet and drums as well as guitar in the performance. Once the song debuts at Papawai, Pene hopes it will catch on elsewhere. "If you advertise it, and explain it properly, then all the Maoris in New Zealand will understand it."
