Fundraising effort adds extra meaning

Ariana Smith is selling squares on a wall to take on a trip to follow in the footsteps of the Maori Battalion. Photo / Stephen Parker

When a group of Rotorua students trace the footsteps of their ancestors who served in the 28th Maori Battalion, they'll be taking a special reminder of Rotorua service people with them.

As part of the fundraising efforts for Rotorua Intermediate School's trip through Italy, they are selling "bricks" on a special paper wall that will make the journey with them.

People can purchase the bricks, which will feature the name and service number of a person of their choice who they want to remember, either formerly or currently in service.

Mum Ariana Smith came up with the idea but said while money raised from selling the $5 bricks would go towards the cost of the trip, it was more than just fundraising.

"While we want to raise something out of all the fundraisers we've done, actually, the money is not the big thing because it's about the meaning."

She said what made it special was the wishes and names which would be making the journey or hikoi with them.

"It's about the whanau who sign it and taking it back to their loved ones."

In October 1939, the New Zealand Government agreed to establish an all-Maori army unit, the 28th Maori Battalion, during World War II. It was divided into five companies which were organised along tribal lines. Te Arawa were part of B company.

The trip was chosen because the 28th Maori Battalion was having its 70th reunion and there were a lot of families who had whanau connections to those who fought over there.

Rotorua Intermediate School principal Garry de Thierry had previously said overseas trips like these were educational.

"The Rotorua community have lost so many young men who died during that time. I've had family who have come in and say they never thought they'd have the opportunity to pay their respects."

Mr de Thierry said, when visiting the war cemeteries, there would be moving speeches before the students performed the school haka and Te Arawa E.

"There is an expectation for us to be able to do that, it's significant for us to take that over there and be united as a group to remember their sacrifice."

The school's trip will take place in September and October. Ms Smith said people could buy a wall spot by phoning her on (027) 475 8037.