KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of your messages to Corporal Apiata:
Kori
I would just like to say in the most humblest of ways "thank you Willy Apiata " for instlling in me a sincere and proud feeling of what it is to be Kiwi.
Trevor
Willy, I met you at Te Kaha Christmas 2006 down by the sea in your scuba gear. You struck us as a great person and we are thrilled to learn of your heroic deeds. You are without doubt very deserving of the honour bestowed upon you. All the best for the future.
John Willetts (Kerikeri)
Kia Ora and congratulations Willy. In what seems to be an increasingly selfish world, your act of unselfish courage is an uplifting example to us all. Thanks.
Vic (Samson, Fremantle West Australia)
Congratulations to Corporal Apiata on being awarded his decoration, the Victoria Cross. Nothing demonstrates the strength & goodness of the human spirit more than Corporal Apiata's action. To be willing to risk & possibly lose one's own life, while endeavouring to help someone else, is the greatest of all human attributes. Individual actions such as Corporal Apiata's, must surely strengthen our faith in the future of the human race.
Vic Boreham, National Vice President (Western Australia) Australian Bravery Association
President & Life Member of The City of Cockburn Sub Branch of The Returned & Services League of Australia.
Hona
As a Maori and proud New Zealander living in Australia this is a truly momentous occasion for our brother and the people of New Zealand including those like myself living abroad. I am so proud to be a New Zealander and I hope this has positive effects on New Zealand culture in general. You're a legend Humble Bill! My other legend is my wife who gave us 9 sons and 3 daughters. We are all so proud of you Bill.
Regards, Hona Wikeepa
Kiwi, Iraq - ex 1 RNZIR & NZBatt 3
Outstanding job. The kiwi's over here are so proud and happy for your recognition of bravery. Having worked with you, it doesn't surprise me of your reaction to this instant fame unwanted as it is. I am proud to have worked with you mate and to call you my brother in arms. Well done Corporal Bill Apiata VC, but to me you'll always be Willy
Mike - Palmerston North
Good on ya mate !
Dave, former Special Operator, former US Army, LTC.
Sir:
Now I have the distinct privilege to call you "Sir"! And I'm proud to do so! Congratulations on the Victoria Cross. You earned it. It wasn't "awarded" to you...you earned it. Never forget that. Never doubt that. Unfortunately, news of your award was not featured by the US media, but we in "the community" always seem to eventually get news about our brothers in SPECOPS wherever they may be. Congratulations, soldier! We're all proud of you!
Chris & Kat
Col Apiata is the kind of hero/role model that has been lacking in this country over the past few years. I hope all parents hold him up to their children as the shining example of a great kiwi that he is.
He is someone that we all should be proud of.
John Michael
I saw the news article on TV about Corporal Apiata's huge achievement. What a humble and sincere guy. You couldn't ask for a better recipient. Although views on the war and Iraq are polarised no one can detract from the courage he showed. It made me feel proud to be a kiwi when I heard about it. Great stuff
Steven Rogerson (Montreal, Canada)
Congratulations for a fitting reward to our heroes overseas who are serving our nation unseen most of the time. The world needs to look up to Kiwis and be thankful for our support in these difficult times.
Steve (Auckland)
Congratulations Willy. Your achievement, and the achievements of other Kiwi servicemen and women, enable people like myself to really put things in perspective. I look forward to the day when I can sit with my son and explain the circumstances surrounding your award. Today I am proud to be Maori. Kia Kaha.
John Michael
I saw the news article on TV about Corporal Apiata's huge achievement. What a humble and sincere guy. You couldn't ask for a better recipient. Although views on the war and Iraq are polarised no one can detract from the courage he showed. It made me feel proud to be a Kiwi when I heard about it. Great stuff
Hazel Richards
Congratulations to Willy Apiata. An act of such courage. I hope this is being talked about in every school in NZ. If young people want to be in a gang why not join Willy Apiata's gang - the Army.
Barry Holltt
Cpl Apiata, congratulation on your award of the Victoria Cross. You did a soldier's job above and beyond your duty. My best regards to you and your family.
Barry Hollitt, Ex 1 SAS Sqn, SASR, SVN 67/68, 70/71.
Sam (Toronto, Canada)
Willie Apiata's very brave and completely unselfish act in saving a fellow soldier's life has me indeed proud to be a New Zealander although presently living in Canada. Bless you Willie and the many soldiers that serve with you.
Kiore (Northern Territory, Australia)
Congratulations corporal. Of course you were 'just' doing your job, and now you are 'just' being rewarded for it. You didn't just save one life, you gave life to the idea that fallen comrades will not be left to die alone, or to fall into the hands of pitiless enemies. Well done. Thank you.
From an ex-Royal New Zealand Infantry Soldier.
The Chief (Australia)
Bloody well done that man. 'Bout time you blokes were recognized for what you are and do. You did more than your job mate - you showed the world than Kiwi-Land produces great soldiers - even though they can't play football.
Chris (Auckland)
To see such humility from a hero is heart warming! His family can rightly feel great pride in him. I hope his example can be taken up by us all. Well done Willy!
David
This man is the epitome of a true hero. Young people, forget looking at Hollywood etc for role models. Instead remember Corporal Apiata! Thank you Corporal, the world needs more men and women like you.
Auckland
Tena koe Willy, having been in the army myself I understand the enormity of what you have achieved. Also my whanau come from Waihau Bay which you will know where it is. I just thought I would let you know that we are all proud of you for what has happened even though you being humble about the entire thing. All the best and now we have another Kiwi amd Maori of a Great Honour. God bless.
Elizabeth (Wellington)
Congratulations to Corporal Willy Apiata whose bravery was exceptional. That is what serving in the Defence Force is all about. He is a truly deserving recipient of this very special honour and his humility is inspiring - well done to a truly great New Zealander.
Robert Hughes (Rotorua)
NZ, attention: there's a hero on board. It brings a tear to the eye and makes the chest swell with pride. An example for all NZers young and old to follow, ahakoa ko wai, ahakoa no hea.
Skippy (Auckland)
Willy Apiata - you remind me of my father, grandfathers, uncles and now my lovely son who is in the army - he is 18 and loves it. They were all very brave men and I know each of them would have done what you have done - they were fearless, strong and proud to be Maori. Like you they have pakeha in their blood but they were very proud to be Maori. You have made your whanau proud, fantastic.
Mac (Whangarei)
Hey Bill, well done my man. Myself and the ex-Unit members are extremely proud of you and the other lads. All the best for the future.
Kevin McNeill
Ted Heath (Eastern Massey)
I don't care if we lose the Americas cup now, Cpl Apiata has been awarded a VC. Unlike the Yanks who give out medals by the bucket full, the British Commonwealth VC is earned under fire. It may be another 60 years before another one is earned. It makes me proud to even come from the same country as this warrior. Good one squire.
Ross (Bulls)
Hi Bill, Congratulations and well deserved mate. You are an inspiration to us all.
Pete Ramsay (Perth)
Willy, I write to you as a very proud New Zealander and a Vietnam veteran. Your actions under fire have been justly rewarded, this will bring great, great credit to your family and the family which is the NZDF, both current and past. Kia Kaha.
Ranjit Dhaliwal
Great work, well done. I hope there will be one day when we all free from war, suffer, and pain. God bless you and your family.
pCb (Auckland)
Forget the All Blacks, forget Team New Zealand(even if they both win their respective Cups) Corporal Bill Apiata is an image to aspire to - not a super sportsman, not an over inflated ego just a damned good professional (at the top of his league) and in proving that he saves a mate too boot. Bill - to use someone else's words "Good on ya mate!"
Ian Rodger (Howick)
It makes me very proud to be a New Zealander when I see a fine man like Willie Apiata being acknowledged in such a way for an outstanding act of bravery. Very proud. Very, very well done Corporal Apiata VC
Logan Devoy
Cpl Apiata, what a phenomenal achievement. Awesome is such an over-used word these days but your actions are truly that. I am in absolute awe of your courage and bravery, it's just impossible for most of us to even imagine those combat moments you (and your mates) endure. Your mates, your unit, and especially your family must be so proud - in fact you've made this entire country proud.
Lynsey
Well done. How do we teach our youngsters to recognise that you are a role model second to none? You are humble, sincere and an absolute credit to your whanau and battalion. Kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi.
Peter (Sydney)
Sincere congratulations to you Corporal Apiata.
True courage in the face of adversity, you are a credit to yourself, your family and to New Zealand. I am an ex-pat Englishman living in Sydney who regularly visits NZ to enjoy the most beautiful country in the world filled with wonderful people. All New Zelanders would be proud of this man, what a fine example to the young Kiwi's looking for inspiration. Best wishes to you.
Fess (Waikiki West Australia)
Sincere congratulations to your men who have been honoured & rightly awarded the gallantry awards announced by your Prime Minister.
Anthony (Fess) Parker
Ex-Aust SAS Regt, 152 Signal Sqn
Nanny P (Thames)
Good on you Willy, you have restored my faith in the human race. Someone who put themselves at risk for their cobber. You must have run like hell, with that bloke slung over your shoulder, its what a Maori warrior would do, eh.
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