Pōkeno First World War memorial.
The Pōkeno First World War memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1921. The commemorative obelisk was mounted on a concrete base into which stones reputedly gathered by soldiers during the Waikato war had been incorporated. The inscription read: “Respectfully dedicated to the memory of our glorious dead and in honour of those Britons who served with them 1914 to 1918 by Pokeno residents. For us they fought. For us they fell.” The names of 12 men who had died and 38 who had also served were listed on the four faces of the obelisk (two further names were later added to the list of fallen).
After the Second World War, a roll of honour was placed in the Pōkeno hall. This wooden tablet listed the names of three local men who had died in the war and 57 who had also served. It has since been transferred to the Tūākau War Memorial Hall. In 1998 the names were also added to the First World War memorial.
See: 'Pokeno Memorial: Unveiling Ceremony', NZ Herald, 26/4/1921, p. 6; 'Pokeno's War Memorial: Unveiling Ceremony', Franklin Times, 29/4/1921, p. 5; ‘Pokeno War Memorial Monument’ [Maramarua] Messenger, May 1998, p. 5.
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