Corporal Willie Apiata, VC in Wellington on 02 July 2007.
On 02 July 2007 Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark announced that the Victoria Cross for New Zealand would be awarded to Corporal Bill (Willie) Apiata. The Victoria Cross was created by Queen Victoria in 1856 to recognise acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, by members of the armed forces, regardless of rank.
The official Investiture ceremony was held in Wellington on 26 July. The small East Cape town of Te Kaha held a Homecoming ceremony and a weekend of celebrations for Corporal Apiata VC during 10-12 August.
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