"Ake Ake Kia Kaha E!": The Legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion
Service, Sacrifice, and the Fight for Citizenship
The Price of Citizenship
During World War II, thousands of Māori men volunteered to fight for New Zealand. They formed the 28th (Māori) Battalion, which became one of the most celebrated and feared infantry units in the Allied forces. Their service was driven by a complex mix of loyalty, warrior tradition (mana), and the belief that their sacrifice on the battlefield would earn them equal citizenship and respect back home in Aotearoa.
A Paradox of Service
Fighting for Freedom Abroad
The Battalion fought with incredible bravery in Greece, Crete, North Africa, and Italy. They earned a formidable reputation for their courage and skill in close-quarters combat. Their motto, "Ake Ake Kia Kaha E!" (For ever and ever, be strong!), embodied their fierce determination.
Fighting for Rights at Home
When the soldiers returned, they were often denied the same rights and opportunities as their Pākehā comrades. Many were unable to get loans to buy farms or houses, and they returned to a society where racial discrimination was still common. This created a bitter paradox: they had fought against tyranny overseas, only to face injustice in their own homeland.
Critical Thinking
The government was reluctant to create a separate Māori battalion. Why do you think Māori leaders pushed so hard for it? What did having their own battalion represent?