Tuterangi Kawha was born in Opotiki on the 4th January 1935. He was raised by his Grandmother, Poirangi Kawha at Opape, where he attended Omarumutu School, continuing to Opotiki High School. He worked locally, and played for Opotiki United Rugby Team.
In early 1957, he enlisted in the NZ Army, 1st NZ Regiment. He trained as a signaller, travelling with the battalion to Malaya on the 28th November.
On the 23rd February 1958, Tuterangi was on patrol attached to a British battallion, assisting with the clearing of a drop zone for air supply, when he was accidentally killed by a falling tree. He was buried at Taiping, Malaysia.
On the 21st August 2018, the NZ Defence Force repatriated Tuterangi, along with 28 other servicemen, back to New Zealand.
The servicemen will be handed over to whanau in a private ceremony, upon landing in New Zealand.
Tuterangi was formally received by Te Whakatohea,