The Government is contributing $700,000 to a project to help preserve the Maori Battalion's legacy.
The 28th Maori Battalion waiting to move up into the front lines from Gambettola, Italy on 19 October 1944. Photo: AAP / Alexander Turnbull Library / George Frederick Kaye
To ensure the survival of the 28th Maori Battalion's history, the Ministry of Education is contributing the putea to compile histories of the Battalion's A, B and D Companies, Education Minster Hekia Parata said.
The project will also lead to new learning resources for school students.
Ms Parata said whanau, hapu and iwi are crucial to the project's success as they hold the stories, letters, photos and records that will breathe life into the stories.
She said the investment will build a more comprehensive record of the country's past decisions and will be invaluable to surviving veterans and their families.