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National | Veterans Affairs New Zealand

Native Affairs - Te Mōrehu

Over 100 million people lost their lives during World War I & II.

A century ago, men left the safety of their homes and eagerly headed off to war, swept along by a wave of patriotism and propaganda.

For a young 17-year-old Māori boy from the back blocks of Te Wairoa, World War II was an opportunity to embark on adventure and work  travel.  However, unbeknown to him the theatre of war would change his life forever.

This is the story of Te Hei Mauroa Hook, one of the last surviving soldiers of the legendary 28th Māori Battalion.