Paraire Hauraki's brother James (Jimmy) Hauraki was killed in action during the war.

Information written by Hinemoa Hauraki, youngest child of Paraire and Te Whango: 'My Dad, Paraire Hauraki was the son of Pae and Hana Hauraki and was one of three sons in a family of eight. He and his brother Jimmy enlisted in the 28 Maori Battalion (A Company) with many others from the Hokianga region. Paraire spoke very little to his children about his experience of war but my sister has a memory of him jokingly saying "Our Company was the most important because it began with the first letter of the alphabet, the letter A". She said he would sit them down after dinner to show them all the places on the world map that he had been to and would tell them how to remember different countries by their shape, e.g. Spain was a shield, Italy a boot, etc.

Sadly his brother Jimmy died in action so we didn't get the opportunity to meet him. My parents made sure we all knew of him though.

Paraire suffered a serious shoulder wound and, according to my Mum, he became an officer's batman. I remember being fascinated by the scar on the front and back of his shoulder where the bullet had entered and exited. Often I touched it and asked about it, totally unaware of the anguish it must surely have caused him both physically and emotionally, but he would endure it and allow me to prattle on. He taught us a few of his so-called 'war songs' like the Maori Battalion song and the one about two frogs: 'One poraka jumped upon the other poraka's back". I could never understand why my mother would be furious every time I sang it or why Dad would look at me with a half hearted grin and whisk me off to do some menial task. Of course I know better now.

Paraire returned from the war with his cousin Whitu Beasley to celebrations at the Omanaia Marae. He married Te Whango Fay Hauraki ()ned Rogers of Otaua) and worked for some time on Ray Cox's farm in Oue. Several years on and a few children later, Paraire and Te Whango moved to Omanaia to manage the Roger's family farm. Over time they secured an adjoining property, Tirohanga, which they bought for themselves and their children. They became a big part of the Omanaia community and together they had fourteen children and one whangai daughter.

Paraire worked for the Rawene County Council for many years while he was dairy farming. He was known to all his council friends as 'Charlie'. He enjoyed boxing, a talent he gained while in the army and he was a member of the Buffalo Lodge and Returned Services Association.

Paraire's passion though was music. He played several instruments: the one I remember most was the steel guitar. He taught all his children to play instruments and eventually encouraged them to form a band. Band practice at the old homestead often attracted all the neighbours and friends.' Hinemoa Hauraki and 2006 Reunion Committee. AWMM