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Tell It To The
Generation Following.
The Promise of
Huntly War Memorial Hall.
Tukua ki ngaa whakatupuranga
o te aapoopoo.
Te Oati o te Hooro
Whakamaumaharatanga o Raahui Pookeka.
The Huntly War Memorial stands watch in the heart of the Huntly Domain, a silent guardian cloaked in history. But this imposing obelisk is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s an expression of a promise – a promise made by the Huntly community to never forget the sacrifices of those who served during wartime.
The scars of World War I were still fresh in 1927, and the Raahui Pookeka Huntly community wanted to ensure the memory of their fallen wouldn’t fade. Led by the Huntly RSA, they set out on a mission – to build a lasting tribute. Using locally-made bricks, they constructed a towering memorial, its presence a constant reminder of the price paid for freedom.
Originally, the obelisk stood proudly near the town centre, a daily fixture in the lives of residents. Etched onto its base were three black marble plaques, each bearing the names of 57 local sons, brothers, and fathers who wouldn’t return from the Great War.
Circling the obelisk were glazed wreaths and scrolls, each emblazoned with a powerful message: “Tell it to the generation following.” These words were a vow, a promise passed down through the generations to keep the memory of these brave heroes alive.
E tuu ana te Hooro Whakamaumaharatanga o Raahui Pookeka ki te poho o Huntly Domain, he kaipupuru o te matuu o ngaa hiitori o konei. He manatu te whare nei ki a taatou kia kaua eenei whakatupuranga e wareware ki a raatou maa i whoatu i a raatou katoa ki te Pakanga Tuatahi o te o hei painga moo eenei reanga.
I te tau 1927 i te rongo tonu ngaa kiriarau o Raahui Pookeka i te mamae o te Pakanga Tuatahi o te Ao. Naa konaa raatou i whakatuuria te hooro kia mau tonu ngaa hooia me aa raatou mahi ki a mahara.
I mua i toona tuunga ki te Hooro Whakamaumaharatanga, i tuu te pakoko ki te pokapuu o too taatou taone o Raahui Pookeka. Kua whakairohia ngaa papa maapere e toru ki te takere o te pakoko ki ngaa ingoa 57 o ngaa hooia e kore e hoki kainga mai i te pakanga nui.
E taiaamiotia ana te pakoko ki ngaa puapua whakamahara, taaraia ki ngaa kupu ohaaki “Tukua ki ngaa whakatupuranga o te aapoopoo.” He kupu taurangi eenei, he oati ki a maatou anoo kia ora tonu ngaa puumaharatanga o te maaia o ngaa hooia ki a hirikapo.
Over three decades later, in 1958, the community took another step in fulfilling their promise. On the shores of Lake Hakanoa, within Huntly Domain, they built the Huntly War Memorial Hall. Inside, rolls of honour list not only those lost in World War I, but also those who fell in World War II. The hall became a focal point for the community – a place for the community to gather and host events.
However, by 2015, time began to show its hand. The Huntly War Memorial Hall, once a vibrant symbol of remembrance, faced the threat of demolition. But the spirit of the community that built the memorial in the first place never wavered. A passionate campaign emerged, a testament to the enduring promise made so many years ago. Neither memorial was just bricks and mortar; they are symbols of respect for fallen heroes, a physical link to the past that the community wouldn’t let be forgotten.
The outpouring of support spoke volumes. The promise etched onto the obelisk in 1927 still resonated deeply. The decision was made to save the hall and the refurbished Huntly War Memorial Hall was given a new lease on life. With a dedicated committee formed to manage the hall, the space will keep its promise of reminding future generations as they continue to hold events next to the names of those who fought for them to happen.
Taaria te waa, ka paahemo ko te toru tekau tau, aa, i te tau 1958 ka hui anoo te haapori o Raahui Pookeka ki te whakatutuki i taa raatou i oati ai. I hangaia te Hooro Whakamaumaharatanga o Raahui Pookeka ki te aakau o te roto o Hakanoa. I whakahoonoretia raatou te mui o te taangata i taka ki ngaa Pakanga Nui o te Ao e rua. Ka tuu tonu teenei hooro hei whare manaaki i ngaa huihuinga maha o too taatou haapori.
Heoi, i te tau 2015 maarakerake te kite i te tauhekenga o te whare, ka mate pea te whare i te orataa. Ka rongo anoo i te aroha o te haapori e te Hooro Whakamaumaharatanga, ka tae mai te whakatau kia whakahou i te whare kia whakatutuki i te oati kua whakairohia ki te pakoko. I whai oranga anoo te Hooro Whakamaumaharatanga, aa, i whakatuuria hoki he koomiti whakahaere kia aakina te whakamahinga o te hooro mo ngaa taakunetanga o Raahui Pookeka.
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