WAIROA CEMETERY,
WAIROA DISTRICT, NZ

This cemetery is situated in Fraser Street, Wairoa. There are 5 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-1918 war and 2 of the 1939-1945 war here.

Wairoa’s first statue stands on the corner of Ruataniwha Road and Carroll Street. Placed there 80 years ago it has withstood several earthquakes and is no longer in pristine condition. But the figure of a soldier holding a bible still stands tall and straight.
The man whom the statue honours was the Rev Henare Wepiha Wainohu. The inscription is self-explanatory and is as follows:
“For God, King and Country. Erected in memory of the Rev Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu, vicar of Wairoa Maori Pastorate. Chaplain — Major NZ Maori expeditionary forces 1915–1918. Died October 1, 1921 aged 38 years. Also to the memory of all members of the pioneer battalion, especially those who have made the supreme sacrifice on the fields of battle and at home.”
January 1, 1924 was an important day in Wairoa’s history. Some 2500 people attended the unveiling ceremony, including distinguished guests Sir Peter Buck, Sir James Carroll, Hon A.T. Ngata and Judge Jones of the Maori Land Court. Local bodies, returned servicemen and members of the clergy were also represented.
The unveiling ceremony was performed by Sir Peter Buck, and as the Union Jack which draped the memorial fluttered down to the ground the general salute was given by a Maori bugler of the ex-pioneer battalion, and all returned servicemen stood to attention.
Many fine speeches were made. Judge Jones said: “The Maori of NZ had been among the first to volunteer their services and the late chaplain major was one of the first to respond. His life had always been one of service and the Maori race had selected him as its representative.”
Rev Wainohu served in Gallipoli alongside his compatriots. One story tells of him standing on the heights of Gallipoli performing the haka “ka mate ka mate”. Perhaps he felt the need to give more practical help on that occasion.
He was a very popular and well respected minister and a keen sportsman, rugby football especially was one of the sports he enjoyed most. When the time came for him to leave Wairoa to serve the ministry of Mohaka, he was presented with a gold medal from the Tapuae Football Club.

[The Wairoa Star Thursday, 13 May 2004]

World War 1:

Click on poppy for photograph and details