Kia Ake Kaha badge WWI?

[Pregeo]

Hi all,

Found this badge yesterday in the French Somme area. Because of the area, I believe it will probably be a WWI related, instead of the second WW. But, because of my limited knowledge, I hope to get a positive ID and hopefully some additional info on this (interesting) forum.

I read: "kia ake kaha", which makes it a New Zealand badge.

Thanks in advance,

George.

[Tinto]

Hi George,
This is a left collar badge of the 14th (South Otago Rifles) Regiment, part of the New Zealand forces.
Motto in Maori means "Forever be Strong". Bird is a kea.
Cheers, Tinto

[pukman]

Actually the 14th South Otago was company strength and was part of the Otago regiment. The soldiers were drawn from Eastern and Northern Southland, and South and West Otago regions ,which to the uninitiated is at the south of the South Island, New Zealand.
The Otago regiment consisted of the 4th Otago,8th Southland,10th North Otago and 14th South Otago ,companies
Additional information can be found in the ''Official history of the Otago Regiment in the Great War, by A E Bryne ,which I think is available online

They did indeed come from the ''uttermost ends of the earth'' to fight in the Great war

Iain

[Pregeo]

Thank you so much for this information.

For me it stays fascinating to learn that young men travelled around the world, to fight in a war that was so far away from their homes.

The book written by A E Bryne will be ordered next week.

Regards.

[atillathenunns]

Originally Posted by Tinto

Hi George,
This is a left collar badge of the 14th (South Otago Rifles) Regiment, part of the New Zealand forces.
Motto in Maori means "Forever be Strong". Bird is a kea.
Cheers, Tinto

Interestingly I have pictures of the original sketches for the design of the 14th Regiment badges (South Otago Rifles) that were submitted to General Godley for his approval in 1911.
The document explains the “wreath of the red rose, shamrock and thistle” was symbolic of “Unity,” and the motto “Kia Kaha Ake” stood for “Be Strong Forever.’
The document is notarised as being approved by General Godley.

[Pregeo]

Thank you so much for all this information!

George.