Gate Pa Commemoration Inquiry

This is Bill Henry "Willie" Apiatia. Willie received a Victoria Cross award on the second of July 2007 for bravery under fire in Afghanistan in 2004. His team of 20 were in the New Zealand Special Air Services (NZSAS) were attacked when camped in the night. Rocket Propelled Grenades blew up the car where he was sleeping. He was sleeping on the bonnet when it blew up. Sharpnel hit two other people in or near the car. He found cover and checked their injuries before getting them over 70m to a soldier campout.

This is Jerry Mateparae. He was born in November the 11th 1954. He was the second person to hold the office of the New Zealand Defence Force after Sir Paul Reeves. He was also the director of the Government Communications Security Bureau from 7th of February till 1st of July 2011. Jerry became famous when he was first enlisted into the Regular Force of the New Zealand. He travelled to Afghanistan to mark the end of the New Zealand Defence Forces. He is New Zealands 20th and Niue's Governor-General.

Possum Pests

Why don’t we want to see these animals in the NZ bush?

Possums are huge pests in New Zealand. They are one of the reasons our beloved Kiwis are going nearly extinct. Possums eat the berries necessary for birds. They also destroy our native trees/shrubs. Over 30 million possums live in New Zealand bush. Possums were first shipped over here in 1837 from Australia. These pests much through over 9000t of leaves, berries and fruit every night. In Australia, possums are protected there.

Waitangi Day

   Why are these people carrying this Banner?

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 from William Hobson, James Busby and nearly 530 - 540 Maoris/ Maori Chiefs. Hone Heke was the first to sign the treaty. The Treaty of Waitangi was an treaty signed for peace between the Britians and the Maoris. James Busby was a Britain Man staying in New Zealand. The treaty was signed in the North Island. It has been a national holiday since 1974 but only in New Zealand not in any other countries. The people above in the photo are walking the streets, honouring the Treaty of Waitangi.