Rangiaowhia Memorial Domain

Rangiaowhia Memorial Domain

There are three memorial objects in the Rangiowhia War Memorial Domain, near Te Awamutu. The war memorial gates at the entrance were dedicated on 20 October 1952. The gateposts are labelled respectively  '1914 - 1918' and '1939 - 1945'. The memorial arch which originally surmounted the gates has lately been relocated behind them.

Further into the domain is a rock inset with a plaque inscribed: "This memorial is dedicated to the memory of all those Iwi who gave their lives so that we may live. 1914-1918." Below this is another plaque which reproduces the contents of a postcard printed in 1915 which includes an unofficial version of the Maori Contingent's emblem along with the words and music to the chorus of 'Tipirere', the Māori version of the popular marching song, 'It's a long way to Tipperary': 

'He roa te wa ki Tipirere / He tino mamao, / He roa te wa ki Tipirere / Ki taki kotiro. / E noho Pikatiri / Hei kona Rehita Koea. / He mamao rawa Tipirere / Ka tae ahua' 

It is unclear when the memorial rock was installed in the domain. Alongside it is a carved memorial pou that represents soldiers who served in WWI, WWII, K Force [Korea], V Force [Vietnam] and with United Nations peacekeeping forces.

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