Māpuna for Saturday 23 April 2022

12:13 Maori soldier Harding Leaf focus of new documentary

As part of its special Anzac weekend coverage Mapuna shines a light on the story of Harding Leaf.  He was a decorated soldier from World War One who fought at Gallipoli. He was 49 when he enlisted for World War Two, and went to war despite the pleas of many of his community of Whirinaki and Hokianga to stay home.  Harding Leaf's story is now the focus of a new documentary called 'Kia Mate A Ururoa' to be broadcast on ANZAC Day on Maori Television and on RNZ.CO.NZ.  His granddaugter Helen Leaf, and great granddaughter Nicole Anderson recount the stories of their famous ancestor. 

Portrait of Harding Waipuke Leaf in WWI uniform. Photo: Auckland War Memorial Museum - Tāmaki Paenga Hira

12:28 Over 600 Maori Battalion soliders never got their medals

For the last two years, lawyer David Stone has been uncovering the names of soldiers from the Maori Battalion who have not received their medals. The process to try and receive medals for some whanau of those who served in World War Two was tiresome, but David went on a personal quest that has now lead to over 600 names of soldiers who never received their tohu. And he has discovered others who served who must now also receive what is rightfully theirs. 
 

Members of the 28th Māori Battalion return home in 1946 Photo: Supplied