Forgotten ANZACs from the Pacific Island of Niue. Descendants recall the tragedy filled journey of 150 volunteers, from an isolated tropical atoll, who were thrust into the cauldron of World War I.
In 1915, as war raged around the world, the ANZACs were suffering heavy losses on the hillsides of Gallipoli.
So, New Zealand looked to its Pacific Island colonies to help replenish those casualties. It took up an offer from Niue, to provide men for the war effort.
The 150 recruits left behind their homes and families in Niue, to join Rarotongan and Maori reinforcements, for labouring and trench digging duties.
I don't think that we fully understand what they have been through.Mohelagi Tutoka
Seventeen of the volunteers died while on active duty. But many who survived the war succumbed to lingering disease and respiratory illness after they’d returned home.
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