14 August 2007

With open arms and unreserved joy, Te Kaha’s soldier son was welcomed home last weekend.

Corporal Willie Apiata VC was truly humbled by the ceremonies and well wishes of those gathered at Te Kaha Marae for his official homecoming over the Friday and Saturday.

Enrobed in a korowai and the Victoria Cross for New Zealand now in his medal group, the soldier carried his new found responsibilities with confidence, dignity and honour.

In one of the most moving scenes of the weekend, the battlehardened SAS soldier was truly humbled after receiving a taonga of a pounamu mere from his tribe. Upon turning to face his people, a spirited group of men erupted into an impromptu haka which honoured the earthquake god.

For the few minutes this special haka raged, onlookers witnessed a rare and moving event. Apiata’s face became a canvas of a thousand emotions, wrought deep from his soul.

Clearly this signalled the culmination of weeks of personal change and adaptation that has had to be faced by our brother soldier.

CPL Apiata is Te Whanau-a-Apanui, although has links with Ngaphui through his father. Closely affiliated with Te Whanau-a-Apanui is Ngati Porou from the East Coast and they came in support of the Te Whanau-a-Apanui and the national hui.

A large contingent of NZDF personnel travelled to Te Kaha to assist with the logistics surrounding CPL Apiata’s homecoming. CPL Apiata reiterated the value of all military personnel serving and said that he wore the Victoria Cross for New Zealand on behalf of all serving personnel.

The celebration was important for remembering past heroes and in particular, a famous war hero, New Zealand’s first Maori VC winner, Moananui-a-kiwa Ngarimu, who was also a descendant of Te Kaha Marae.

It was also the first time that the recently gifted sword presented to Te Arawa by the Queen in March, had its first public appearance.

The sword was gifted in memory of the famed warrior soldier Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi. It was worn at he weekend by Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae.

Past servicemen, SAS and 28 Maori Battalion in particular, were an important part of the official ceremonies.

The marae and small coastal village of 350 swelled to about 3000 with the influx of people and equipment for the national hui. Defence personnel brought their cooking and stores equipment and expertise in feeding large groups in the field.

An ‘East Coast style’ feast was laid on by many hardworking hands in the kitchens. Crayfish, muttonbirds, oysters, mussels and hangi were devoured by the people in the wharekai after the official ceremony.

Te Kaha’s Apanui RSA was packed as people celebrated into Sunday morning - mixing between there and the band playing at the marae hall.

CPL Apiata made the most of the time to catch up with old friends and let them share in the celebrations with him. It was a sincerely heartfelt old-fashioned East Coast homecoming in every sense.

The sun beamed golden and bright and a fresh breeze blew as warm as a summer’s day. People couldn’t stop smiling amid the hardwork and complete dedication by all to contributing to the weekend’s unconditional celebration of togetherness.

Image Gallery - Issue 379