An opinion piece in The New Zealand Herald on Wednesday 6 May 2015 caught my attention. It was written by Brian Rudman under the heading “Focus on Gallipoli a national identity crisis”. This provocative article and an event the next day led to my penning the following thoughts, as part of my homework for our Waitakere Writers group. Search for Identity Dedicated to Erima Henare On Thursday morning 7 May 2015 I had to travel to Wellington for a meeting. As I drove to the airport I turned on Radio Wātea, an urban Māori radio station. About 10 minutes into my journey the announcer expressed his regret that he had some sad news to share. “A great kaumatua has passed: Erima Henare.” A surge of emotion welled up inside me. Erima was someone I knew. Not personally, but because he was the main speaker at the hearing of Ngāpuhi’s claim to the Waitangi Tribunal. I had the wonderful privilege of being on a panel who was asked to attend all five weeks of the hearing. One of the many interesting things Erima told us was that in 1939 Ngāpuhi declared war on Germany before the New Zealand Government did. This was because, since at least 1820, Ngāpuhi leaders had a close relationship with the British monarchs. For Ngāpuhi, this meant they must support their friends and allies in their time of need. Erima had an appreciation for those who had fought for their country. His father, Sir James Henare, had
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