November 11, 2016
28 Battalion heroes immortalised in street names
Armistice Day in Palmerston North is being marked by the addition of nine streets to the Poppy Places project, which recognises New Zealand sites with links to military involvement overseas.
The streets are named after members of the 28th Maori Battalion – Anaru Place, Dittmer Drive, Henare Street, Huata Place, Katene Street, Pitama Road, Ruha Street, Te Punga Place and Wikiriwhi Crescent.
Mayor Grant Smith says when the Awatapu subdivision was developed in 1964, Brigadier George Dittmer drew the names from a list of soldiers who had served under him.
As well as marking the streets with a red poppy, stories about the men and their deeds will be posted on the Palmerston North library’s Manawatu Heritage website.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com