July 31, 2015
Women soldiers recognised in change to Maori ode
The RSA has approved a change to the Maori version of the "Ode of Remembrance" to recognise women in uniform.
The first line of the ode changes from "E kore ratou e koroheketia" to "E kore ratou e kaumatuatia".
The New Zealand Defence Force says translated into English this line reads "They shall not grow old" however the definition of the word "Koroheketia" is 'grow to be an old man' with the word 'Koro' being male specific.
They say replacing this with 'Kaumatuatia' meaning 'to grow old' and in most iwi referring to both males and females growing old, allows female personnel to be recognised and acknowledged in the same way as a male.
Chief of Defence Lieutenant-General Tim Keating says the revision will ensure the service of all those who have served New Zealand, and in some cases lost their lives, is fully recognised, whether they be male or female.
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