27 March 2007

The heroism of Lance Sergeant Haani Manahi was recognised in a moving ceremony on the shores of Lake Rotorua on 17 March.

His Royal Highness the Duke of York, representing the Queen and wearing a specially made korowai, presented an award to representatives of the Manahi family and LSGT Manahi’s Te Arawa tribe at Te Papiouru Marae, Ohinemutu.

Among those attending the ceremony was the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, and a large contingent of Army personnel.

LT GEN Mateparae, Prime Minister Helen Clark, and Defence Minister Phil Goff accompanied the Duke of York onto the marae where he was warmly greeted by Manahi family members, Te Arawa iwi and local dignitaries.

After prayers, speeches and singing, the Duke presented an altar cloth to be placed in St Faith’s Church, which adjoins the Muruika cemetery near the marae where Haani Manahi is buried; a letter from the Queen acknowledging his bravery; a sword from the Royal collection; and a patu in memory of LSGT Manahi.

Te Arawa then presented the sword and patu to LT GEN Mateparae. The sword will be displayed in the office of CDF, and the patu will be worn on ceremonial occasions.

After the presentations were made, those attending took part in a walk of remembrance through St Faith’s Church and the cemetery, where soldiers from 3 Logistics Battalion formed a catafalque guard around LSGT Manahi’s tomb. Three volleys were fired by the firing party, a drum rolled, and an Army bugler sounded the Reveille.

Speaking at the cemetery, LT GEN Mateparae said the occasion was a celebration of Lance Sergeant Manahi’s spirit and his bravery on the battlefield, and it was a time to “reflect on the values he demonstrated all those years ago”.

“The New Zealand Defence Force remembers Haani Manahi because his actions personify the ethos and the values of our defence force. In reading the details of the battle and the gallantry of Haani Manahi, one is humbled in acknowledging one of our great warriors. I feel privileged to be part of a ceremony that celebrates his life and his people.

“Recognising Haani in this way is a tribute to Te Arawa and the men of 28 Battalion. The presentation of a sword to Te Arawa, in particular, signifies the esteem in which he was held, and the mana of Haani Manahi, and it is a great honour for the Defence Force to accept the sword from Te Arawa.

“It will remind us often of his gallantry, the contribution of the 28 Battalion, and [it will] be a tangible link with Maoridom, Te Arawa, and the attributes that were so conspicuously demonstrated by Haani Manahi.”

Holding the patu, LT GEN Mateparae said the taonga would also have a special place in the Defence Force and would be worn by him and his successors at suitable occasions.

“A very important aspect of the recognition of the gallantry of Haani Manahi is that the ethos and values he demonstrated some 64 years ago remain consistent with those of our military organisation. Our raise d'etre is to fight our country’s wars, and to guard the Pacific.

“We hold service to the Crown, honour, sacrifice, tradition, discipline, and the values of integrity, courage, comradeship and commitment as dear today as they were in 1943 when Haani Manahi demonstrated these attributes.”

Image Gallery - Issue 373