There were considerable tensions between the Americans and Maori, so strenuous efforts were made to build inter-racial bridges. Princess Te Puea arranged a series of visits to Ngaruawahia in the Waikato, and the Americans were also welcomed by Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club in Wellington and on to a marae in Gisborne.
New Zealanders have become accustomed to hearing the national anthem before major sporting events such as All Black tests. But many may not know that ‘God defend New Zealand’ is one of two official anthems.
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.
