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A great tree has fallen in the forest of our people and the nation with the passing of a great man – Sir Bom Gillies. Sir Robert Nairn Gillies was not just a leader in the community he was also onour last remaining links to the 28th Maori Battalion. Born 14 February 1925 with Whakapapa to Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Kahungunu. He enlisted for World War two by fudging his age – he was actually just 17. Sir Bom served in the 28th Maori Battalion – he was the last remaining link.
“Kārekau he take o te pakanga. Pakanga, pakanga, pakanga. Kei te haere tonu. Karekau he rongo. Moumou tāngata. (There’s no point to fighting. Fighting, battles, war. It still carries on. There’s no peace. It’s a waste of human life).”
“Ta Robert Gillies was a remarkable man whose legacy will live on,” former Defence Minister Peeni Henare said.
“Ta Robert’s passing marks the end of an era, as he was the last of the Māori Battalion, which played a crucial role in New Zealand’s military history.
“New Zealand is a better place because of the service and advocacy from people like Ta Robert. His contributions will be remembered not only for their military significance but also for the impact he had on Te Ao Māori,” Peeni Henare said.
More to come
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