IMO the wearing of the brim down and the move of Regimental hat badges from the side to the front, was a quick remedy to easily identify New Zealanders from their Australian counterparts.
Its worth considering that the 4th Waikato Mounted Rifle members of the Main Body and their 1st and 2nd Reinforcements, would have been issued hook hat badges until the supply was exhausted.
Many of the hooks were cut off by their owners to give the hat a more aesthetic look while the badge was worn on the front.
Fortunately for us badge collectors, some chose not to remove the hook as can be seen in the photos below.
Brent
Trooper Richard Bluett 13/291
Trooper Lewis Cuthbert Turton 13/466
Second Lieutenant Morris James Milliken 13/279