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Download AudioGreen MP Elizabeth Kerekere says Anzac Day is not just a reminder of war but of what Māori hoped to win from the peace.
Dr Kerekere, whose koro was in the Māori Battalion, attended ceremonies in Hastings and Tekapo on Monday.
She says at both services, there were reminders it was a commemoration, not a celebration – and she reflected on what the sacrifice meant for her tupuna.
“And I know especially for the Māori Battalion our people went out into the world hoping they could bring real change for Māori in this country, so I will always honour that sacrifice,” Dr Kerekere says.
She says many soldiers brought the war back home, and her whānau was greatly affected by the violence of men whose hurt wasn’t addressed.
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