KAMUPENE D RUA TEKAU MĀ WARU TRUST
Te Kamupene D Rua Tekau Mā Waru Trustees was established in 2016 to protect, maintain and preserve the integrity, honour and mana of D Company of the 28 (Māori) Battalion. The Trust will assist the collection and collation of photographs, diaries, letters and any other memorabilia/taonga for the express purpose of writing the D Company story.
The Kamupene D Trust initially launched this mahi on August 26th, 2017 and at that time there was only one surviving D Company veteran, Alfred (Bunty) Preece (Moriori, Chatham Island) who passed away last year. He became the Trusts first Patron.
The Kamupene D Trust composition is: Kingi Turner (Waikato, Tainui), Te Rangi Maniapoto (Taranaki, Whanganui), Dick Smith (Ngā Uri O Te Rua Tekau Mā Waru which represents the Manawatū, Horowhenua, Kapiti, Wellington, Wairarapa), Tom Matiaha (alternate for Dick Smith), Toro Waaka (Kahungunu), Roger Maaka (alternate for Toro Waaka) Lawrence MacDonald (Te Tau Ihu), Gaye Stanley (Te Wai Pounamu). The Trust has not been able to engage a representative for the Pacific Islands however, there has been some communication with Gail Eraio from the Cook Islands is currently the administration person for the Cook Islands RSA.
The Trust is Chaired by Tata Lawton with Frances Dagg (Secretary) and Lee Hunter (Treasurer).