Rotorua's World War II hero Haani Manahi was treated "dishonourably" by the New Zealand Government, a new book claims.
Biography author Paul Moon launched his latest work Victoria Cross at Takrouna: The Haane Manahi Story at Te Papa-i-Ouru Marae, Ohinemutu, on Saturday.
The Auckland University of Technology lecturer said he was "shocked"
by some of the research he had uncovered during the two-year project, despite initially being reluctant to look into Lance Sergeant Manahi's past.
"I was first approached by the family to write this," Dr Moon said.
"I get approached nearly every month to write a book and I usually turn them down.
"I had assumed someone had already written something on this issue, and I actually recommended other authors, but the family insisted and said they had a whole lot of personal papers from their father."
In May 1943, Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, of the 28th Maori Battalion's B Company, was recommended for a Victoria Cross by four Allied generals for his bravery during the battle of Takrouna Ridge in Tunisia, North Africa.
However, the award was later downgraded to a Distinguished Conduct Medal.
"Before I started I had assumed there was a good reason why the Victoria Cross wasn't given and I assumed the New Zealand Government had acted honourably. I was wrong on both counts," Mr Moon said.
"For the first time, the identity of the person who struck out Lance Sergeant Manahi's VC is revealed, as are the later refusals by New Zealand politicians to rectify the situation."
Dr Moon said that, despite rumours his research uncovered evidence, no atrocities were committed by Lance Sergeant Manahi.
More than 100 people attended the the launch, including the Manahi whanau, who worked alongside Dr Moon throughout the writing of the book.
Also present were former members of the Maori Battalion B Company and Massey University lecturer Dr Monty Soutar. "I imagine after reading this book there will be someone who will write to Maori Party leader Pita Sharples asking him to look into the Victoria Cross case," Dr Moon said.
"This will probably be the last and best hope of Mr Manahi being awarded. I think the chances are pretty slim but it would be for someone like Pita Sharples to give it a go."
