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Story: Māori–Pākehā relations

Māori Battalion, Second World War

Māori Battalion, Second World War

'Eyes right!' Soldiers of 28 (Māori) Battalion march in a ceremonial parade by New Zealand infantry in the Volturno valley, Italy, in May 1944. The Māori Battalion's reputation for courage and audacity was well-known both to their enemies and throughout the Allied forces. It greatly contributed to improved relations between Māori and Pākehā after the war.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, War History Collection (DA-01514)

Reference: PAColl-5547-022

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Mark Derby, Māori–Pākehā relations – Military conflicts, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/28570/maori-battalion-second-world-war (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Mark Derby, published 22 March 2011.

Comments

Myra Wineera
03 February 2012
There are quite a number of descendants of the men that served in the 28 Maori Battalion living here in Sydney Australia and they would like to join as a member pf the Maori Battalion organization.I am a LIfe Member and would sponsor those that would like to joun so could ypu please email me a copy of the application form Thank you. I am the widow of Private Edison Te Kanae Wineera 805274. My name is Myra Wineera and my email address is [email protected] thank you