1915 Māori soldiers sail to war

Imperial policy was initially against ‘native peoples’ fighting in a war among Europeans. There were fears that they might turn on their colonial masters or cause embarrassment by expecting equal treatment with European soldiers. When it was suggested that Māori be sent to garrison the newly captured German colony of Samoa, New Zealand Administrator Robert Logan cabled the government warning that this might provoke the Samoan population. Instead, a Native Contingent of about 500 men left Wellington for Egypt aboard the SS Warrimoo on 14 February 1915.

Māori had mixed views about the First World War. Some supported the war effort and wanted to join up. Others did not want to fight for the British Crown, which was seen to have done much harm to Māori communities in the 19th century. The varied reactions reflected iwi’s (tribes’) experiences of British actions in the previous century.

The official policy regarding the use of ‘native peoples’ changed as casualties mounted and the need for reinforcements grew. The Maori Contingent had a combat role at Gallipoli before being converted into a Pioneer Battalion to serve on the Western Front.

By the end of the war, 2227 Māori and 458 Pacific Islanders had served in the Maori Pioneer Battalion. Of these, 336 died on active service and 734 were wounded. Māori also enlisted (and died) in other units of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Image: Native Contingent departure, 1915