The last remaining member of the 28th Māori Battalion has been knighted by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro this morning.
Ninety-seven-year-old Sir Robert Gillies, known as "Bom" served in B Company during World War 2 from 1942 to 1945.
He initially turned down the knighthood but accepted the accolade in the recent New Year's Honours.
Our reporter Ashleigh McCaull and cameraman Samuel Rillstone have the story.