Despite some opposition, nearly 16,000 Maori enlisted for service during the Second World War. By 1945 the 28th (Maori) Battalion had became one of New Zealand's most celebrated and decorated units. But Maori contributed to the war effort in many different ways, at home and overseas.
From the 1940s the Treaty and Waitangi began to find a place in the national consciousness. For most New Zealanders, they were of historical interest only.
Initially Maori had mixed feelings about the Scenery Preservation Act. The Member of Parliament for Northern Maori, Hone Heke Ngapua, welcomed it as a way to protect totara and prevent the loss of more kauri forest, but he objected to the way compensation was made available to Maori.
Leaders of Maori society have represented their people in the House, including Maui Pomare, James Carroll, Matiu Rata and, most famously, Apirana Ngata.
Ngati Porou leader and politician Apirana Ngata is one of New Zealand's best-known figures. Working through traditional tribal structures and as MP for Eastern Maori, he pressed for state-funded Maori land development. His wider aim was to strengthen Maori
communities and revive Maori culture.
Henare Balneavis became private secretary to Apirana Ngata, and continued in this role when Ngata became Native Minister. He went on to serve as private secretary to a number of Native Ministers including W. H. Herries, Gordon Coates, George Forbes and M. J. Savage.
Apirana Ngata leading members of the Maori Battalion in a haka in front of the whare runanga on the Waitangi treaty house ground at the 1940 centennial celebrations.
