Mahoenui's First World War memorial was a flagpole erected at Mahoenui School. It was unveiled by Major-General Sir A. Russell on 29 September 1922, the same day that he unveiled the nearby Piopio memorial obelisk. A granite plaque inset into the flagpole's concrete base was lettered: FOR FREEDOM'S CAUSE. / ERECTED BY THE SETTLERS / OF MAHOENUI IN HONOUR / OF THE BOYS FROM THIS / DISTRICT WHO FOUGHT IN / THE GREAT WAR / 1914-1918.
After the Second World War the local community decided to erect a war memorial hall. This was opened by W.J. Broadfoot MP on 30 October 1954. The plaque from the school's flagpole was transferred to one side of the hall's entrance. Another plaque was added on the other side: THIS HALL WAS ERECTED / BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION / IN 1954 AS A MEMORIAL / TO THOSE BOYS OF THIS / DISTRICT WHO FOUGHT IN / THE SECOND WORLD WAR / 1939-1945.
The Mahoenui District First World War roll of honour, a wooden tablet which lists 12 names, is also displayed in the hall.
See: 'A distinguished visitor', King Country Chronicle, 30/9/1922, p. 5; 'Mahoenui', Taranaki Daily News, 26/4/1955, p. 8; Mahoenui School Centennial, 1898-1998, Te Kuiti, 1998, pp. 112-4, 120, 127.
Images and text: Bruce Ringer, 2021
Roll of honour image: Robin Lovell