Carving a permanent homage to Pioneers

REMEMBER: The carved statue of a World War I Maori soldier was unveiled at the Muruika War Cemetery yesterday by Rotary Rotorua North president John Murray (left), Pita Anaru and Reverend Ngarahu Katene. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

A carved statue of a World War I Maori soldier to feature at today's Dawn Service was unveiled in a sombre ceremony to a crowd of about 40 at the Ohinemutu Muruika War Cemetery yesterday.

War veteran Major Pita Anaru, who is a guest speaker at today's ceremony, told the crowd yesterday afternoon the carving would serve to remind them of their ancestors who had fought and died in World War I.

"It is in memory of our tipuna [ancestors] who died and served in Gallipoli 100 years ago." This was a permanent commemoration of the Native Contingent and the Maori Pioneer Battalion.

The carving was commissioned in November last year, to coincide with the centenary of the Gallipoli landing.

Henry Macown commissioned the carving, which is called Te Hokowhitu a Tu, The Gallipoli Soldier, he said.

"We were inspired by this year being the centenary year."

He said the carving, which is made from seasoned kahikatea wood, depicts a soldier flanked by war and peace. Rongo, or peace, is more dominant than Tu, war, on the left side of the carving.

"It is not the correct proportions but that's how it is."

Mr Anaru said yesterday was the first time he had seen the carving. Head carver Paki Wilson had done well with a brief set of instructions, he said.

"It's the first time I have seen it. I was very impressed with it. We just told him to carve a soldier from the first world war. It looks excellent from our point of view."

The soldier, who is not carved in anyone's likeness, was made with funding from Rotary Rotorua North, Pukeroa Oruawhata trust and the Te Arawa Maori Returned Services League.