Highly regarded kaum¯atua gets top honour
Retired Tokoroa soldier Rawiri (Dave) Ahuriri has received one of the New Zealand Army’s highest and rarest honours.
NZ Army Chief Major General John Boswell has awarded the 81-year-old kauma¯ tua the Chief of Army Commendation.
The prestigious award is presented to members of the New Zealand Army, and to members of the public at the chief’s discretion, who through their conduct and values demonstrate the highest alignment to the army’s core values of tu¯ kaha/ courage, tu¯ tika/commitment, tu¯ tira/comradeship, and tu¯ maia/ integrity.
After joining the army in 1962, Ahuriri, who by the 1980s had become a sergeant, was involved in and held various important roles included serving in Singapore in the first battalion from 1970-72. He was also qualified in the likes of jungle warfare, signal and visual tracking.
Following the completion of his service in 1985 he went on to became a kauma¯ tua in 2009 for the New Zealand Army’s (Nga¯ ti Tu¯ matauenga) Waio¯ uru-based marae where he supported the ongoing development of te reo
Ma¯ ori and tikanga (Ma¯ ori customs).
Various dignitaries attended the Tokoroa award presentation including the army’s previous Sergeant Major Clive Douglas, current Sergeant Major Wiremu Moffitt, military assistant to the chief Major David Vink, and South Waikato Mayor Jenny Shattock.
Boswell said it was his pleasure to present the award to such a worthy recipient.
‘‘Chief of Army Commendations aren’t awarded frequently. They are a prized possession and recognise exemplary people,’’ he said.
‘‘This commendation represents [his] contribution and achievements as a solider, as a civilian, and as a kauma¯ tua. They were significant, they are appreciated and are the mark of a man who was not only a brilliant solider and great person but a man of great mana.’’
Ahuriri, who was supported by a small group of friends and family including his two eldest great grandsons, was humbled by the acknowledgment.
‘‘It was very nice,’’ he said. He said despite many of his friends having now died he had fond memories of his time with the army.
‘‘I taught a lot of soldiers to be soldiers. [I’d say] if you want to be a cry baby get on the bus,’’ he said, laughing.
Mayor Jenny Shattock said it was a special moment that would hopefully inspire the next generation.
‘‘We in Tokoroa and as a council have had a charter with the Six Battalion Hauraki since 1981 and also a very, very successful services academy at Tokoroa High School and they have produced some very good young men and women,’’ she said.
‘‘They are following in your footsteps and I hope and pray they will make at least a minimum of the contribution that you have made. Being presented with the Chief of Army Commendation is a special moment and a huge honour.’’