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Story: Military medals

Presentation of the Victoria Cross awarded to Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu

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Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu (Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military gallantry award, for bravery, determination and outstanding leadership during an engagement at Tebaga Gap in Tunisia in 1943, during the Second World War. He was killed in action the next day. His parents, Maraea and Hāmuera Ngārimu, received their son's Victoria Cross in his stead at a special ceremony in Ruatōria later that year. The award was presented by Governor-General Sir Cyril Newall.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: Weekly Review 112. National Film Unit, 1943

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

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Kerryn Pollock, Military medals – Gallantry and bravery awards, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/35631/presentation-of-the-victoria-cross-awarded-to-te-moananui-a-kiwa-ngarimu (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 8 May 2012.