Our Land - Our Pride

This story is about the First World War. I was sitting in my living room and suddenly I heard a knock on my door. I opened it and saw a British soldier. He said in an angry voice “Hey, are you 18 plus in age?” I said, “Yeah, I am.” He punched me and ordered me to come with him but I refused. He then said “You have 2 choices. Go to jail or join the British army”. I told “I am not joining your army”. They pointed the gun at my chest and were about to arrest me. Thinking quickly, l asked them “I want to go to the toilet”. They reluctantly agreed. I went to the toilet where there was big window. I opened that window and ran away quickly. I went to the army camp of Maori and thought of joining their army so that I could fight against the British Army. I made up my mind and went to the Army commander. He said “Who are you? Do you want to join the army?”

I said “I am the son of this soil and want to fight for the country”. Then the Army commander said “Hmm. Let me see why you want to join the army”. I said “A British soldier came to my house and was forcing me to join the British army else they would kill me”. The army commander said, “Ok. I understand but are you 18 plus in age?” I said “Yes, I am.” Two hours later, the commander said, “Fine. You can join the army now. Are you ready soldier?” I said “Yes Sir” in a loud voice. Four hours later we heard a loud voice, “Get up soldiers we have to go to in jungle for training”. Everyone got ready quickly and we hopped on a big truck. Few hours later we arrived at training camp of Māori army and splashed mud on our bodies so the enemy could not see us.

We only had little food for survival. Now it was time for the war to save our land. We traveled to across North and South islands on a ship and everyone was trying to be cheerful by singing and dancing. Then we arrived at the battleground and grabbed the weapons. Suddenly commander said “Get ready guys, the British soldiers are coming. “Oh God, give us strength,” I said. I was nervous but brave. The war started and I got shot on my arm. I fought on we were victorious. We fought the war for New Zealand for more than 4 years. Only a couple of my friends survived with me. More than 366 Māori soldiers were killed and 700 plus soldiers were wounded. Now we are going back to our barracks to rest and with the high commander of Māori chiefs, we had a party and did kapa haka. Then we were back to normal life after a long time. Tired but happy. Our land was saved and ours now.