Leanne Tamaki and Karina Ngaropo holding Te Mana Motuhake o Tuhoe flag with Takrouna behind, in tribute,
honouring Tūhoe men who fought and died here (May 2014) (Photo provided by Leanne Tamaki).
For Leanne Tamaki, adminstrator of the 28th Māori Battalion website jetlag just wasn’t an option when she travelled as part of an 80 strong tour to Tunisia, Italy and Greece in May, 2014 following in the steps of the 28 Māori Battalion during the Second World War.
In conversation with Maraea Rakuraku, Tamaki presents a few highlights from the trip that includes experiencing the very places that hold the stories of Māori men. Such as Point 209, Tunisia where Te Moananuiakiwa Ngarimu (1918-1943) – the first Māori recipient of the Victoria Cross was killed; Takrouna,Tunisia, where Haane Manahi (1913-1986) displayed such an outstanding display of courage he was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) posthumously in 2007; and her koroua, Werewere Rakuraku (1923- 1943) – who was killed in action in Cassino, Italy.
