The Maori Battalion at Waitangi, 1940.

This morning the Prime Minister officially opened a new museum at Waitangi, one which commemorates Māori participation in New Zealand’s armed forces - and specifically - the 28th Māori Battalion of World War II.
Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the Māori Battalion assembling at Waitangi before they departed for active service in World War II and Sarah Johnston from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision will play us some recordings of that particularly historic February 6.

Men of the Māori Battalion marching onto the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, Feb 6, 1940. courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library

Sir Apirana Ngata leading a haka at Waitangi Day Feb 6, 1940. courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library

Sir Apirana Ngata leading a haka at Waitangi Day Feb 6, 1940. courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library

Eruera Tirikatene, 1932 courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library