April 10, 2014
Soldier’s story uncovered
A new book in shops today looks at the Maori experience of World War I through the eyes of a Ngai Tahu soldier.
Wiremu Maopo wrote more than 40 letters to his friend Virgie Fincham at his home outside Christchurch about the activities of the Maori Pioneer Battalion.
The book also looks at the discrimination faced by Maopo back home.
The Last Maopo was written by his great granddaughter Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson, who had to uncover family secrets to put together a picture of her tupuna.
It will be officially launched at Ngati Moki marae in Taumutu, near Leeston, on Anzac Day.
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