Maj. James Matehaere, MC

In 1931 Jim and his sister Lucy survived a house fire. Their father and 4 siblings perished in the fire. Their mother had passed away in childbirth a year earlier.

Jim served in WW2 with the 28 Māori Battallion and was three times wounded. In 1944 he was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy. This medal was personally received from General Freyberg.