Media Release courtesy: Penguin NZ
WILLIE APIATA
—VC—
THE RELUCTANT HERO
Paul Little
Due to overwhelming public interest in New Zealand’s newest hero, the life story of Willie Apiata will now be told, including the incredible heroics which led to him being awarded the highest military honour.
On 10 November under strict embargo, Penguin Group (NZ) will release the much anticipated biography of New Zealand’s newest hero, Willie Apiata, VC.
‘I knew we had to move. With the wagon being on fire it could only protect us for so long. There were that many RPG rounds rocking it, hitting it one after the other … sooner or later one of us was going to take a round if we stayed there.’
Lance Corporal Willie Apiata, a New Zealand Special Air Service trooper, was trapped at the front of a major fire-fight with suspected Taliban insurgents on a dark and desolate Afghan hilltop. One of his mates was bleeding to death and they were pinned down under intense enemy fire.
For Apiata there was no choice. He fell back on the values instilled in him by his mother, the skills learnt during a tough pig-hunting life in the bush on the East Coast of New Zealand, and the knowledge won from years of training with the NZSAS.
With the lives and safety of his mates his only priority, Apiata performed an act of courage that has now become part of New Zealand history – an act that saw him become the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand and just the 14th holder of the Commonwealth’s highest honour for bravery since the end of the Second World War.
From his early life in small town Te Kaha, to his actions in the deserts of Afghanistan, this is his story in his words. This is the story of Willie Apiata, VC.
An ordinary kiwi bloke, a very reluctant hero, just doing his job.
Voted the most trusted New Zealander
ENDS
Penguin Media Release: Willie Apiata - VC - The Reluctant Hero (.pdf 776kb)
Viking HB | $50.00 | EMBARGOED until 10 November 2008
PLEASE NOTE: WILLIE APIATA, VC, WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
Review and promotional copies will be available upon request.
For all publicity enquiries please contact:
Gina Harrison, Senior Publicist | Penguin Group (NZ)
DDI: (09) 442 7462 |