March 27, 2024
Military resonating in Māori mind
Māori historian Monty Soutar says receiving the Manakura Award was a rare honour, especially as the last one to receive the tohu was the late Sir Harawira Gardiner.
The award is only given every three years alongside the 28th Māori Battalion and Ngarimu VC Scholarships to a person who displays qualities of prestige, influence, mana, and leadership.
Dr Soutar is a former teacher, territorial soldier and museum administrator, as well as writing books on the Maori Battalion C Company and Maori in the First World War.
He says military service is a topic which resonates with Maori, as will be seen at next month’s Anzac Day commemorations, especially in Te Tai Rāwhiti this year
“It’s to be broadcast out of the C Company Memorial house here in Gisborne and I’ll be appearing as an expert historian to give my words of wisdom about what’s going on,” Dr Soutar says.