Coastwatchers from the Pacific during World War 2 are to be recognised for the valuable service and the important role they played in the early warning system in the Pacific for New Zealand.
Minister of Defence, Hon Peeni Henare, has announced a number of steps to formally recognise their contribution.
In 1942, it was decided that all New Zealand civilian coastwatchers should be attested in the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF). However this policy was never properly implemented in the Cook Islands.
A report by the New Zealand Defence Force found that it appeared no consideration was given to attesting civilians in the Cook Islands who performed coastwatching duties very similar to those undertaken by attested military personnel.
Minister Henare says, “This is long overdue recognition of the Pacific Island coastwatchers and the important role they played in our early warning system in the Pacific.”
This recognition for Pacific Island coastwatchers includes:
- A certificate of service signed by Her Excellency The Governor-General
- Giving families the opportunity to have Service plaques attached to their headstones like other Service personnel
- Publishing an online historical record of their service
A national commemorative service at the National War Memorial in Wellington will be held this Saturday 15 October to mark the service of all New Zealand coastwatchers in the Second World War. That date is the 80th anniversary of the murder of 17 New Zealand coastwatchers and five civilians from Australia and the United Kingdom, on Tarawa. Another New Zealand coastwatcher died in captivity on Ocean Island.
