A Legacy Preserved: Juliana Keefe’s Decades-Long Mission to Honour the 28th Māori Battalion

As Aotearoa celebrates Matariki, the rising of the star Pōhutukawa serves as a poignant reminder to honour those who have passed. For Juliana Keefe, this mission of remembrance has defined the last three decades of her life. Speaking to RNZ, Keefe shared how she has dedicated herself to preserving the legacy of the 28th Māori Battalion, meticulously archiving the lives of the men who served. The project was inspired by her father, Private John Keefe, who enlisted in 1941 and served alongside his brothers Wi, Peter, and George Tau Ta (Andy) Keefe. While her father was initially quiet about his wartime experiences, he began sharing stories of his friends and comrades while Juliana cared for him in his later years. These personal accounts revealed a history of service and sacrifice, including a notable moment when Private Keefe was injured during the Battle of Crete while carrying a wounded German soldier to safety. Over the past 27 years, Keefe has compiled an extensive archive of photographs, military records, handwritten notes, and cemetery information. Her research has taken her across the globe to trace the footsteps of the battalion, photographing memorials and headstones to ensure every name is matched with a story. She told RNZ that she wants to know exactly who the people in the photographs were, refusing to let them remain anonymous figures from the past. In addition to her archival work, Keefe visits schools to share these histories with tamariki, bridging the gap between generations. She recalls the resilient spirit of the veterans—their hardworking nature, their singing, and the kaimoana and fresh produce that sustained their whānau. Through her albums and educational efforts, Keefe hopes to pass this work on to her own family, ensuring the stories of the 28th Māori Battalion continue to inspire future generations.