Chief Petty Officer Tapene, from Hikurangi, north of Whangarei, enlisted in 2001. He specialised in communications and has since deployed throughout Asia, Hawaii, the Gulf of Arabia and Australia.
This week he is part of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent in Türkiye taking part in the commemoration services for the Gallipoli campaign.
“I was fortunate to be picked as a kairakau – the holder of the ceremonial rakau (staff) – and as a kaihaka as well, or a performer.”
He was not aware of any immediate family ties to Gallipoli, but said family on the East Coast and Northland may have served there.
Chief Petty Officer Tapene said it was important for him to attend the Gallipoli commemorations, because the generation of servicemen who landed at Gallipoli put Kiwis and Aotearoa on the map.
“These guys put their lives straight on the line. Out of respect for that you have got to go and give them a thank you, a haka of thanks.”
NZ Army
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