Toasting the occassion

Veterans and the Governor General toast the occassion at Pipitea Marae, Wellington.

From left to right: Reverend Brown Turei, Nolan Raihania, Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Arthur Midwood and Henry Norton

In the foreground is the Haane Manahi sword which is one of three items that are part of the posthumous award to Haane Manahi for his bravery at the Battle of Takrouna.  He was recommended for the VC but received a DCM.  After years of negotiations a posthumous award inspired by the famous line, 'For God! For King! And for Country!' from the Battalion's own song 'March to Victory' was presented.  The sword acknowledges 'For Country'. 

The Duke of York (representing the Queen) presented the sword to Te Arawa, the iwi then presented the sword to then Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, along with a patu in memory of Haane Manahi. The sword is displayed in the office of the CDF, while the patu is worn, on appropriate occasions, as part of the dress of the CDF.  These gifts represent a tangible link between Haane Manahi, the Queen, Te Arawa and all serving members of the Defence Force.