Wairarapa’s last 28 Battalion veteran dies

The last 28 Maori Battalion veteran from the Wairarapa has died at the age of 88.

Kingi Matthews from Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane is lying at Papawai Marae in Greytown until his burial on Wednesday.

He was also the oldest surviving Maori All Black, is a past president of the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union and a member of Wairarapa’s 1950 winning Ranfurly Shield team.

Mr Matthews joined the Battalion in 1944, and was sent to Italy with the 12th Reinforcements.

When he returned after the war he trained as a carpenter in a scheme for returned soldiers.

He is survived by his widow Petina (Polly), children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

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