April 27, 2015
Waikato under fire in new book
The stories of seven Waikato soldiers in World War 1 have been told in a new book and exhibition.
Ake Ake Ake opened at Te Awamutu Museum on Anzac Day.
An accompanying book, Maiea te Tupua by Waikato University senior lecturer Tom Roa and researcher Maehe Paki, was launched at Purekireki Marae the same day.
Mr Roa says while there is a perception Waikato and Maniapoto refused service, in fact many young men signed up in the early years of the way.
It was only when the government targeted Waikato Maori with a conscription drive in 1917 that there was a boycott led by Princess Te Puea.
He says the book is a chance for whanau to talk about their legacy.
Mr Roa says it’s a fascinating story, given that six of the men volunteered to fight for the British Empire just 50 years after Waikato and Maniapoto tribes were attacked by British troops in the Waikato.
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