Read on to find out more about Mātai's amazing Anzac mural!

Mātai class recently took part in a school-wide (Amberley, Leithfield, Broomfield, and Waipara) art competition to commemorate and celebrate Anzac Day. 

Mātai class completed a mural based on the 28th Māori Battalion, which served in WW2. We were fortunate to take 1st place in the senior years across the schools! Our amazing piece of art will be on display at the ANZAC Day celebration in the Amberley Domain Pavilion, where the Dawn Service will be held. 

Check out our art, and have a read of the blurb that goes with it...

28th Māori Battalion

The 28th Māori Battalion was a frontline infantry made up of volunteers of about 700-750 men strong. These men were divided into 5 companies. When the war broke out in September 1939, many Māori were quick to answer the call to arms and thus the 28th Maori Battalion was created.

After arriving in Egypt on the 3rd of March 1941, the 28th Māori Battalion would endure many battles and casualties. Egypt, Greece / Crete, Libya, Italy, and Syria are home to the battlegrounds where the 28th Māori Battalion paved the way for the Anzacs and was the birthplace of their legend.

The picture above is a head shot of Mr A Tukaki (Bay of Plenty) of the 28th New Zealand (Māori) Battalion, with his helmet on, just before the Eighth Army offensive at El Alamein, Egypt. Photograph taken in late October 1942, by M D Elias.

The colours of Mr A Tukaki’s face is a direct reflection of the desert environment that the 28th Māori Battalion endured and fought in during WW2. 

Well done to Mātai class!