Willie ApiataNATIONAL HERO

By Matiu Knowles

Willie Apiata’s cultural background

Apiata has a Maori father of Ngata Puhi and Te Whanau-a Apanui. and a Pakeha mother. His parents were separated and he lived with three sisters and his mother.

They lived in the Bay of Plenty at Te Kaha. His home marae are Tukaki Marae at Te Kaha and Ngati Kawa marea at Oromahoe, south of Kerikeri.

Apiata enjoyed spending most of his time outside at the beach, the sea, and the bush.

How did Willie Apiata earn the Victoria Cross for New Zealand?

In Apiata’s words "I just saw my mate was injured and I needed to get him to safety and I put him up on my shoulder and carried him to safety and re-joined my mates and ... yeah, that's what happened.“

In 2004 Willie Apiata carried a friend across the battle field to safety while under fire from enemy guns. As a reward for his bravery, in 2007 Apiata was awarded the first Victoria Cross for New Zealand.

Qualities of a hero

Willie Apiata is known as a hero in New Zealand.

Apiata is humble unlike some other some other heroes.

Heroes have qualities such as:

Brave

Putting another person needs before their own

Courageous

Qualities of a good leader

Willie Apiata was a good leader for his troops.

He displayed the following characteristics:

Flexible – In battle things often didn’t go to plan.

Good Communication – Showing his strength when he shared his thoughts with his troops.

Courage and patience – Being able to wait and show courage when needed.

Humility- Being able to talk and listen to people from different backgrounds.

Responsible – Taking responsibility even if things go bad.

What is the same about a hero and a good leader?

Same• Courageous

Hero• Brave• Putting another

person’s needs before own

Leader• Patience• Good

communication• Flexible• Humility• Responsibility

A little known fact about Willie Apiata

There is a bronze statue of Willie Apiata in army gear at the SAS headquarters in Papakura.