A 28th Maori Battalion veteran says although the association is winding up before Christmas, it will still live on in a less formal capacity.
The Maori Battalion Association recently announced that it would close on 1 December because out of its 26 survivors, only 12 men are physically able to attend any meetings.
Robert Gillies, of Ngati Kahungunu and Te Arawa descent, served in the Italian campaigns during World War II.
He believes the association should have folded a long time ago, but the men were keen to keep it going.
Mr Gillies says it came to the point where they had to have a vote, and all decided that it was time to close.
He admits it is a sad occasion, but they will still carry on the kaupapa as an association but without the rules of an incorporated society.