28th Māori Battalion Memorial Bowls Tournament

Opononi Bowling Club hosts the 28th Māori Battalion Memorial competition in association with the Hokianga Memorial RSA every year as a way of paying tribute to those who have passed on and to honour their last survivors. Frank Barnes, of the RSA and organising committee says, “Now that the National Association of the Māori Battalion no exists, this tournament is our way of keeping alive the memory of our many gallant soldiers. The support of Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi with this event is very welcomed. Thank you.”  

I leave you with a quote from Lieutenant-General Lord Freyberg who said ‘No infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw more fighting, or, alas, had such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.

Kia ora.

[Published in E Mara E Pānui 20 April 2017]