NZDF Maori Group To Perform At Malaysian Tattoo

NZDF Maori Cultural Group To Perform At Malaysian Military Tattoo

The New Zealand Defence Force will contribute to an international military tattoo in Kuala Lumpur on September 7, 8 and 9 to mark Malaysia's 50th year of independence.

NZDF Maori Cultural group performing in Cassino, Italy May 2004
to commemmorate the 60th Anniversary of the 28th Maori
Battalion's attack on the Cassino Railway Station.
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Chief of Defence Force Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae, said the NZDF was honoured to have been invited to participate in Malaysia's celebrations.

"The participation of the NZDF Maori Cultural Group is a reflection of the strong and historic ties between New Zealand and Malaysia in the areas of military assistance, cooperation and diplomatic relations." The 35-strong performing group will have a tri-service flavour with representatives from the frigate HMNZS TE KAHA, the RNZAF and the New Zealand Army.

Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Mark Pirikahu, a senior member of the group, said the team will be involved in both public and international performances and their performing bracket will consist of traditional weapon display, poi, action songs and haka. "The team are very excited about the event and will do both NZDF and New Zealand proud," said Warrant Officer Pirikahu.

The NZDF will be one of 13 services performing during the tattoo, alongside hosts Malaysia and Jordan, Brunei, France, India, USA, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Mark Pirikahu leads veterans
onto the Platform of the Cassino Railway Station commemmorating
the 60th Anniversary of 28th Maori Battalion's attack.
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The NZDF cultural group has a strong history of performing at events around the world, including royal tournaments, world expos, government functions and ceremonial welcomes.

As with all NZDF cultural groups this one carries with it the spirit of Te Hokowhitu A Tu (New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion) and Te Ope Rua Tekau Ma Waru (28th Maori Battalion).

Photo captions: Senior member of the NZDF Maori Cultural group Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Mark Pirikahu leads veterans onto the Platform of the Cassino Railway Station commemmorating the 60th Anniversary of 28th Maori Battalion's attack.

NZDF Maori Cultural group performing in Cassino, Italy May 2004 to commemmorate the 60th Anniversary of the 28th Maori Battalion's attack on the Cassino Railway Station.

ENDS

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