Coastwatchers finally honoured at poignant Government House ceremony

On Tuesday, July 2nd this year, our Governor General, the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, held a ceremony in recognition of the service of brave men, and communities that kept watch, 24/7, for enemy aircraft and ships from stations in the Pacific Islands during the Second World War.

Formally recognised more than 80 years after their service, the grave personal risks for these 30 civilian Pacific Islands Coastwatchers were acknowledged, given that they faced execution if they were captured by the enemy.

At this ceremony, a very proud Year 11 Springs student, James Drake, accepted an award on behalf of the Magafoa family for his great-grandfather.

For more information and photos, check out the NZ Defence web article here.