The Government of Niue today received 39 Service Memorial Headstones honouring Niuean men who served with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War.
The headstones were transported to Niue by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in partnership with New Zealand Veterans’ Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), with support from the New Zealand High Commission in Niue.
On 13 October 1915, 150 young Niuean men left Niue aboard the Te Anau to serve during the First World War. They answered the call of duty and carried the name and spirit of Niue with them.
Today, Niue remembers with pride the 150 men who answered the call to serve. The 39 memorial headstones represent their families and provide a lasting place to remember those who served and for future generations to learn about their stories.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Richie Mautama, acknowledged the support of the Government of New Zealand, Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand, the NZDF, MFAT and the New Zealand High Commission in Niue in making the handover possible.
Minister Mautama also acknowledged the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Niue Returned Servicemen Association (RSA), former Minister for Social Services Hon. Sonya Talagi, Mr Alexander Brunt, Head of Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand, and his delegation who travelled to Niue for the handover.
“We have a responsibility to ensure our young people know the stories of these men and understand the values they represented service, courage, sacrifice, love of family and love of homeland,” said Minister Mautama.
The handover marks an important moment in preserving Niue’s history and ensuring the service and sacrifice of its World War I veterans continue to be remembered in their homeland.
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