Speech notes for the Premiere of Turangaarere: The John Pohe Story

Speech notes for Mahara Okeroa for the Premier of Turangaarere: The John Pohe Story, Taihape.

Mihi 

It is an honour and privilege to have seen Turangaarere tonight. John Pohe’s story is very special and it deserved to be told.

John Pohe had a remarkable life. He was a trailblazer for Maori pilots and had a distinguished war record. The support shown by embassies, museums, and the Defence Forces to this project confirms his status in New Zealand’s military history.

John Pohe’s story also illustrates how strength of character is revealed in times of adversity. His courage did not desert him, he did not give up the fight, and he remained a brave warrior until the end.

There are reasons that this story had not been told before, and these reasons, must be respected. However, now it is the right time, and in my view the story is likely to have a greater impact as it has been preserved without distortion.
The telling of this story will have a significant and distinctive impact in the wearing of our nationhood going forward.

I want to thank John’s whanau for allowing us to share their story.

Thanks also to Maramena and Julian, and to everyone who has worked so hard to bring the film together.

I must acknowledge NZ On Air, Te Mangai Paho and Maori Television for their involvement in the project.

Maori Television has gone from strength to strength and is now at the leading edge in providing quality broadcasting about our war contributions. Its efforts in this area are outstanding. Its ANZAC programming over the last two years has been ground breaking.

Maori TV has recognised what everyone in this room knows – it is vital that our war stories, like the heroic story of Pokokoru Patapu (John) Pohe, are preserved, acknowledged, and given the opportunity to become part of the fabric of our society. Maori TV is helping to keep all our legends alive.

John's ashes are in a collective grave in Poland, far from his whenua. This film is like a homecoming for his spirit, and Taihape can honour its own at last. Thank you and have a great evening