Hare Nuku at Te Rewarewa in 2014 as the last Tuhoe soldier from B Company 28 Maori Battalion. Photo / Supplied
The last Tuhoe soldier from B Company 28 Maori Battalion has died.
Pte Hare Natana Nuku died at Whakatane Hospital last weekend and was buried at Kaiti Cemetery last week.
Born and raised among his whanau from Waiohou, Mr Nuku grew up in Ruatoki and went to Ruatoki Native School,
having to cross the Whakatane River by horse from his home at Ohotu. He grew up hunting, eeling, and according to elders, was a speedster in his young days. While playing for Ruatoki Rugby, he feared no one, no matter the size.
On his return from WWII, like the rest of his fellow soldiers living in Ruatoki, Mr Nuku started dairy farming, married and went on to have 11 children.
Mr Nuku became a staunch golf player and even in his 70s was attending the odd tournament. He was also a gifted pianist.
