Rawiri Waititi Backs Victoria Cross For Haane Manahi

Te Pāti Māori is demanding justice for war hero Sgt Haane Manahi, renewing calls for a posthumous Victoria Cross decades after his extraordinary bravery at Takrouna was overlooked.

Co-leader of Te Pāti Māori and MP for Waiariki Rawiri Waititi is calling on this Government and all opposition parties to support the call for Sgt Haane Manahi to be awarded the Victoria Cross. We call on the New Zealand Defence Force to make a formal recommendation, supported by the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Cabinet to achieve this.

Why Sgt Haane Manahi deserves the Victoria Cross

“Sergeant Haane Manahi displayed extraordinary courage and leadership in the taking of Takrouna, Tunisia, risking and ultimately giving everything in service of his people and his country. His actions meet the highest threshold of valour that the Victoria Cross represents, ” said Waititi

Manahi was recommended for a Victoria Cross shortly after the taking of Takrouna, however, was instead awarded a Distinguished Conduct Award “the whānau of Haane Manahi, have carried this injustice for generations and honouring such courage is the right thing to do. The right to acknowledge and award Sgt Manahi with the Victoria Cross is not about revisionism, it is about correcting history.”

A historic injustice still waiting to be corrected

Sgt Haane Manahi scaled that cliff for the crown, it’s high time the crown climbs this cliff for him. Recognition delayed is recognition denied.