Ngā Tapuwae: the sacred footsteps of kiwi soldiers in the land of Israel

Plaque of all the kiwi soldiers that died on that battle. Alfred Ngaro is pointing out the Māori soldier Francis Leopold Flavell.

New Zealand's connection to the Land of Israel in World War I was not widely known to New Zealanders or Israelis until quite recently. 

Some 18,000 New Zealanders served in three regiments of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade (NZMR) from 1914-1918 and 700 never returned to their homeland. At that time NZ’s population was less than one million people. After the disaster of Gallipoli during 1915 NZ and Australian Mounted brigades served in the ANZAC Mounted Division to drive the Ottoman Turks from the Sinai, and, ultimately from the Holy Land. 

New Zealand soldiers are buried in three British Commonwealth War Cemeteries in Israel: Bee’erSheva, Ramlah and Jerusalem. 

The battle which took place near the town of Ness Ziona in Ayun Kara is considered by several military historians to be the most significant engagement of New Zealand troops during the Middle East campaign. (Chris Archer)

Hon. Alfred Ngaro attended the remembrance service of the battle of Ayun Kara in Tauranga on the weekend. This is his speech and photos taken on-site in Israel. 

Steel plaque on the hill of G’vat Hator

Kia Ora, Shalom and greetings to everyone,

I would like to firstly acknowledged the presence of the Ambassador for Israel to New Zealand his excellency Ran Yaakoby. I want to also acknowledge other dignitaries from central and local government, Bethlehem College and other distinguished members of the public.

In Israel just outside Tel Aviv in the city Ness Ziona is a hill called G’vat HaTor.

On that hill is a sign made of thick steel with two words and a symbol cut out into the metal. The words are 'Ngā Tapuwae' and the symbol is a silver fern with each leaf of the fern in the shape of a soldier.

It is placed there to tell a little known story where Kiwi soldiers, Māori, Pākehā and Pacific, under the command of only kiwi officers fought one of the most courageous and successful battles for NZ during the World War One. G'vat HaTor overlooks the battle ground known as Ayun Kara.

On 14 November 1917, the New Zealanders encountered an Ottoman force entrenched on a ridge south of Ayun Kara. Although heavily outnumbered, they advanced north along the ridge and attacked the enemy position. The fighting was fierce and the Ottomans mounted several strong counter-attacks throughout the day. The New Zealanders eventually seized the ridge and forced the Ottomans to retreat, but not before suffering some of their highest casualties of the campaign. Of the 800 or so men who took part, at least 40 were killed and around 140 were wounded.

Ngā Tapuwae translates to ‘the sacred footsteps’ and so today we remember those kiwi men who stepped into the theatre of war on foreign land and the sacrifice of life that was paid so that the world could be at peace.

Sir Tipene O'Regan wrote; to Maori, the silver fern denotes strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power, encapsulated in a natural form of native elegance. Māori have always honoured the fern, giving it a pride of place.

To the people of Israel we are honoured that we could be part of the story on the journey for Israel to receive its nationhood and sovereignty. To the people of Israel 'Hevenu shalom aleichem'. We wish upon you success and peace in your lives.

I want to finish by thanking Chris and Betty Archer for championing this mission to ensure the legacy of Ayun Kara is not forgotten, Warren Dawson and his family for the use of the land and the silver fern sculptor to honour the memory not only of his grandfather but all those who fought alongside him. I want to also thank Yossi and Michael Eshed and the bipartisan relationship between Israel and New Zealand through the Israel New Zealand Friendship Association.

The desire for all of us is that generations to come will remember the cost and build a future of peace and prosperity for both nations. Our lands and our people have a covenant that is now sealed in blood but abounding in love.

Thank you all for honouring this significant day, lest we forget.

Shalom, Kia Ora

Honourable Alfred & Moka Ngaro Patron

Read more about the Silver Fern Project

Hon Alfred Ngaro and Moka Ngaro in the city of Ness Ziona. The street sign acknowledges the sacrifice of the kiwi soldiers of the NZ mounted rifles boulevard.