Arapeta Awatere
Arapeta Awatere | |
|---|---|
Awatere in 1945 | |
| Born | 25 April 1910 Tūpāroa, Gisborne District, New Zealand |
| Died | 6 March 1976 (aged 65) Mount Eden Prison, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Branch | New Zealand Military Forces |
| Years of service | 1928– c. 1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands | Māori Battalion (1944–45) |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Military Cross |
Arapeta Marukitepua Pitapitanuiarangi Awatere DSO, MC (25 April 1910 – 6 March 1976) was a New Zealand interpreter, military leader, Māori welfare officer, and local politician. Of Māori descent, he identified with the Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Porou iwi (tribe). He served in the Māori Battalion, including a period as its commander, during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. He was later convicted of manslaughter and died in Mount Eden Prison. He is the father of the former member of parliament Donna Awatere Huata.