Anzac stories in te reo Maori
2 May 2016
In recognition of the commemoration of Anzac Day 2016 and the 100-year commemorations of World War I, The School of Māori and Pacific Development has welcomed the presentation of two books that outline family perspectives of their tūpuna who served in WWI.
On Friday, 22 April, the books were presented at a function at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.
Maiea te Tupua, Maiea te Tawhito, by Senior Lecturer Tom Roa and Maehe Paki, is the Māori version of the book and DVD launched on Anzac Day 2015.
It is the tale of seven young Waikato-Maniapoto men as told by their families. In 1864, their ancestors were at war with the British Empire as it colonised Aotearoa New Zealand, and yet a mere 50 years later, six of these young men volunteered to fight “For God, for King, and for Country’, for the every empire their tūpuna are reported to have said they would fight against forever.
“I chose these families because I knew them or my whanau knew them,” says Tom.
“The Māori version of the book is not just a straight translation from the English. It incorporates more of the stories that have been expanded on since the book first came out. Families read the book in English and then told us more details which we’ve been able to use in the translation.”
The Last Maopo, by Waikato University alumna and Reserve Bank Board member Tania Simpson, was launched on Anzac Day 2014 and is the story of Lance Corporal Wiremu Kaihau Maopo who served with the 2nd Māori Contingent. Tania’s research into her ancestor’s story reflects the hardship and prejudice that he endured.