Anzac Day dawn service in Auckland, 2026.
Photo: Nick Monro / RNZ
A Pacific researcher says Pasifika soldiers who served in the World Wars deserve to be remembered this ANZAC Day.
The Kaitiaki Taonga of Te Papa Museum Pacific Collection said their stories have been forgotten for long enough.
Grace Hutton’s research revealed Pacific soldiers in World War One were known as “very hard working, neat, clean and well disciplined.”
She said many left their island homes in search of “adventure,” but when they returned, they never shared their stories.
“It was too different from their life back home to what they did. Maybe they felt the families back home couldn’t understand.
They certainly would have spoken about what they did with their comrades that they went over to overseas with… So I think it just got forgotten,” she said.
An ei (necklace) of yellow shells is hung around a cross for Private Apu Tepuretu who was one of 45 Cook Island men who first enlisted to serve in the First World War.
Photo: RNZ / Daniela Maoate-Cox
Hutton has interviewed numerous families about their relatives who served, and said many had no stories to tell – some didn’t even know their relative had served.
She believes it’s time that narrative is changed, and their stories are rediscovered before they are lost forever.
“It’s so easy to forget. If we don’t keep finding out more and celebrating or commemorating their service, we will forget how much they’ve done.
They’ve been to the horrors of war to help keep us safe. Some men went to Vietnam, Malaysia – if we don’t remember the past, we won’t give them the recognition they deserve,” Hutton said.
Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina said even his own family is unsure of their ancestors war history because it was never discussed.
He said this is why it is crucial to commemorate ANZAC Day and make an effort to learn more.
“We don’t even know whether any of our family on my dad’s side actually served in the War. We just don’t know because it wasn’t shared. But this is why I totally agree, is that families didn’t realize and it should be part of the history. And that’s this is so important.”
Through the Auckland Council and the Returned Services Association (RSA) – the theme for this years ANZAC commemoration is ‘Pasifika’ – acknowledging the contribution of island soldiers from across the region.
Niuean men prepare to leave Niue for WW1
Photo: Supplied/Niue Taoga Museum
Filipaina said it is an honour for the community to be publicly acknowledged.
“I’m just so glad when I got told that Pacific were going to be acknowledged at Anzac Dawn parade. For me as being part Pasifika, I just say thank you to the RSA… Thank you for those that have decided to acknowledge the sacrifice that our Pacific community made. “
He had encouraged the community to attend and stand proud on behalf of the Pasifika soldiers past and present – to honour those whose stories have been told and cherish the memories of those lost forever.
