As Aotearoa prepares to commemorate Anzac Day, the story of the Māori Contingent in the First World War stands as a powerful reminder of courage, unity, and sacrifice.
The first Māori unit, known as the Native Contingent, was formed in the early months of the war following strong advocacy from Māori leaders who believed Māori should serve alongside other New Zealanders. After training in Auckland, the contingent sailed from Wellington in February 1915 aboard the SS Warrimoo, carrying the name Te Hokowhitu a Tū, symbolising warriors of the atua of war.
The unit was made up of volunteers from across iwi, although recruitment was shaped by the realities of the time. Some communities were hesitant to support the war effort due to the lasting impacts of land confiscations and earlier conflicts with the Crown.
Initially sent to Egypt for training and garrison duties, the contingent was later deployed to Gallipoli as casualties mounted among New Zealand forces. Māori soldiers landed at Anzac Cove on 3 July 1915, joining the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and quickly becoming involved in frontline operations.
From their base known as Māori Pā, they carried out a range of demanding roles. These included combat operations, trench digging, road building, and transporting supplies under harsh conditions of heat, disease, and constant enemy fire.
The contingent saw heavy fighting during key battles such as Chunuk Bair and Hill 60, where casualties were severe. Their actions earned respect from fellow soldiers and recognition for bravery, with several members receiving military honours.
Following Gallipoli, the Māori Contingent was reorganised into the New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion. This unit went on to serve on the Western Front, continuing the dangerous but vital work of building trenches, roads, and infrastructure close to the front lines.
More than 2,000 Māori served during the First World War, with many killed or wounded. Their service marked the first time Māori fought in such a large, unified force overseas, creating a legacy that would carry forward into later conflicts, including the renowned 28th Māori Battalion of World War II.
Today, the story of Te Hokowhitu a Tū is an integral part of the ANZAC narrative. It reflects not only the bravery of those who served, but also the complex history of Māori participation in a war fought under the Crown.
As Anzac Day approaches, their legacy continues to be honoured across the country, ensuring their contribution is remembered as a defining chapter in Aotearoa’s shared history.
