Part 2: Speech from the Middle East, October 1942

The Māori Battalion with the 2NZEF recorded a Christmas programme from the Middle East on 15 October 1942. 

The speech is first given in Māori and can be heard here.  The orator has not been identified but could be Chaplain Captain Tunoa Wanoa or Chaplain Captain Wharetini Rangi.

Transcript

To our Maori people of the many tribes and to our remaining chiefs and leaders in Aotearoa and Waipounamu, greetings of love to you all.  Having in remembrance those of us who have made the supreme sacrifice in this war of the god Tumatauenga and those of our kith and kin who have passed away.  This is the Maori Battalion calling, calling loved ones at home, our parents, brothers and sisters, especially our mothers whom we have in our thoughts night and day.  Mother you are my inspiration and my hero.  To our wives and children a special message of faith, hope and charity, praying always for your perseverance in constancy and love.  Sir Apirana, the honourable Paikea and other Maori leaders in the house - greetings to you all.  We have faith in you for the future, and our innermost souls in us, long and yearn for home.  To Colonel Bertrand and officers and men of the second Maori Battalion we send you Christmas greetings of aroha, remembering Colonel Love, his brother officers and men who have made the supreme sacrifice.  To our father in god the bishop of Aotearoa we send to you all and the churches at home our Christmas greetings with thankful hearts for your affairs both of the Pakehas and the Maoris, for the throne of grace, for our blessing and for our preservation.  A Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.