Haurakis Acknowledge Service

" While nobody wants to live in a state of war, history demonstrates that nations should be prepared to guard themselves and their neighbours " .

That was the message from the Honorary Colonel of 6 Hauraki Battalion Group, Judge Chris McGuire, in a short address after he presented medals and service awards to six soldiers at Tauranga Army headquarters on Saturday evening.

6 Hauraki Medal Recipients 4 December 2010 (AW-10-1208-1).

“People forget history at their peril,” he told the recipients and their families and friends. “There was a suggestion about 20 years ago that this country should disband its armed forces entirely. Then along came problems in Timor Leste,  the Solomon Islands and elsewhere, creating a significant demand for properly trained peacekeepers from this country.

“The conflict in Korea supposedly ended 58 years ago. But those who follow world affairs will be aware that tensions remain high there to this day.

The various medals presented here tonight are a small way for the military to acknowledge its own people and I trust the rest of the nation also recognizes your contribution to maintaining peace.”
 
 Recipients were:
 
Private A S Farr RNZIR – NZ Operational Service Medal (Solomon Is)

Lieutenant M P Yelash RNZAC – NZ General Service Medal (Korea)

Lance Corporal S B MacKintosh RNZAC and Lt Colonel W J Banks RNZIR – NZ General Service Medal (Timor Leste)

Major R Earp RNZIR – NZ Armed Forces Award (for 15 year’s service)

W.O.II R H Wichman RNZALR – 20 Year Certificate.
 
The Hon Colonel also took this opportunity to promote Cpl R Tuapawa to the rank of Sergeant upon his posting out of the Battalion.
 
Following the awards presentation the work of six members of the Haurakis’ Regular Force training staff who are being posted to other appointments round the country was acknowledged with speeches of thanks followed by an informal family barbeque.