Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

William Himiona Torepe, who also went under the names Wiremu Henry Torepe and William Henry Torepe, was the adopted son of Hemiona Torepe and Kiti née Fowler. He was born on 28 February 1892 at Moeraki. Young William may have been educated at the Arowhenua Native School. Himiona (or Hemiona) Torepe was very active locally, especially with regard to Native Affairs. When the Timaru District Council decided in July 1914 not to take over control of the Timaru Native Reserve until certain works were carried out, Himiona Torepe was appointed treasurer to collect the levies to defray the cost of the works. On 12 February 1913, Major H. C. Barclay, commanding 2nd (South Canterbury) Regiment, notified that several privates – among them W. H. Torepe - who had qualified by examination, were promoted to be Corporals from that date.

W. H. Torepe was one of the early enlistments and, along with T. Whitau, was probably one of the first Maori from Temuka to volunteer for the Maori Contingent, and one of the best to represent the Native race. At this time, he was a labourer at the Smithfield Freezing Works. In September 1914 the regulations stipulated that the men must be not less than 5 feet in height and must pass a medical examination, but a birth certificate was not necessary. On passing the medical examination, they had to apply immediately for warrants from the Defence Department for railway and steamer tickets to get themselves to the native camp in Auckland by 7 October. William was well within the medical requirements, standing at 5 feet 7¼ inches, weighing 154 lbs, and with a chest measurement of 36-38½ inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes grey, and his hair black. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal; his limbs and chest well formed. He was in good health in all respects, including the teeth. Following the medical examination on 6 October 1914, he enlisted at Temuka, joining the New Zealand Maori Contingent, Divisional Train. He was serving with the 2nd South Canterbury Regiment. Residing at Temuka, single and of Church of England affiliation, he named his father as next-of-kin – H. Torepe, Temuka.

Private Torepe was promoted to the rank of Corporal with New Zealand Maori Contingent on 21 November 1914. Corporal W. H. Torepe embarked with the 1st Maori Contingent, departing from Wellington per the “Warrimoo” on 14 February 1915 for Suez, Egypt. He embarked for the Dardanelles on 30 June 1915. He was admitted to the Hospital Ship “Alunia” – before or after wounding? William Himiona Torepe (No. 16/191) was wounded on 9 August 1915 at the Dardanelles (Anzac), this reported in a long list of casualties. Having suffered bullet wound to both thighs, he was admitted to No. 3 Hospital then transferred to the First Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis on 14 August. In camp at Zeitoun as of 3 November 1915, he was transferred to Gezireh on 31 December 1915 and rejoined at Moascar on 20 January 1916. Torepe was, however, admitted to hospital at Abbassia on 8 February 1916, afflicted with mumps. It was almost three weeks later that he was discharged to duty and attached to Strength at Gezireh. After marching out for Moascar on 6 March 1916, he embarked at Port Said for France on 9 April.

There in France, he was admitted to hospital for a few days in June 1916. Sent to hospital, sick, on 15 October 1916, he was transferred to the New Zealand Divisional Rest Station. William Himione Torepe – attached to the Maori Pioneers Battalion - was then admitted to No. 35 General Hospital at Calais on 16 October 1916 – sick. Discharged from hospital, he was attached to the New Zealand Infantry and General Base Depot at Etaples, France on 6 November, and rejoined his Unit in the Field the following week. A month later, he reverted to Ranks (Private) at his own request and was transferred to the New Zealand Divisional Train, joining the Army Service Corps.

On 10 February 1917 he was again admitted to hospital in France [venereal], firstly to No. 1 NZ Field Ambulance, then 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station. On 14 February he was admitted to the 7th Convalescent Depot at Boulogne (Venereal Disease – Gonorrhea); the next day [15 February] he was transferred to the 51st General Hospital at Etaples – slight venereal disease (gonorrhea). It was on 14 March 1917 that he was discharged and again attached to Strength at the New Zealand Infantry and General Base Depot at Etaples, with the rank of Driver. Driver Torepe was detached to the Army Service Corps (H.T. & S. depot) at Havre in early April 1917. Having marched into the NZ Wing of the 2nd Anzac Reinforcements Camp in early June 1917, he was attached to the Pay and Headquarters Company later in the month.

A gift of mutton-birds from the Maoris of New Zealand was to be sent Home for the Maoris on active service, and in mid-June 1917 Mr C. Parata, M.P., had just returned from Southland in connection with the project. “The larger kaingas have agreed to give £l0 each, as it is intended to send away from 8000 to 10,000 birds. Mr Parata addressed a successful meeting at Temuka on Monday night, Mr Himiona Torepe presiding, when he was handed £l0 in aid of the fund, with an assurance that more would be forthcoming if required. Natives at the front have written home to say that there is plenty of puha, or Maori cabbage, in France, and it is hoped that the combination of puha and mutton-bird will make a homely palatable feast. Puha, it may be explained, is the common sow thistle, which the Natives often boil with meat and other foods.” In August of the same year, Himiona Torepe subscribed to the Temuka’s list for Xmas gifts for soldiers.

In late October 1917, Mrs Torepe received a cable stating that her son had been admitted to hospital in France on 5 October, suffering from appendicitis. At that time, his was reported as a not severe case. A week or so later it was a severe case. Mrs H. Torepe then received word on 12 November 1917 from the Base Records Office that Private W. H. Torepe had been transferred to the New Zealand General Hospital at Brockenhurst on 16 October. He was suffering from severe chronic appendicitis. He had been evacuated to hospital in France with appendicitis on 5 October, admitted firstly to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station, then transferred to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station, before being moved to No. 26 Ambulance Train the next day. He was admitted to the 12th General Hospital at Rouen on 7 October, and there the appendicitis was chronic. On 10 October 1917, Torepe went to England by Hospital Ship “St George” and on 16 October was admitted to the 1st NZ General Hospital at Brockenhurst. He was transferred to the Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch on 12 November, and to the NZ Command Depot at Codford (No. 3 New Zealand General Hospital) two weeks later. Attached to the New Zealand Command Depot on 28 November 1917, he was detailed ‘On Command’ with the NZ Soldiers Club in London from December 1917 until discharge on 30 March 1918. He was still on Strength at the NZ Command Depot at Codford on 4 October 1918. William married Ruby Frances Worth, on 4 August 1918 at St Jude’s, Portsea, England. His wife, Mrs R. F. Torepe, Burgoyne House, 18 Nelson Road, Southsea, England, then became his legal next-of-kin. William Torepe was taken on Strength at the NZ Divisional Depot at Torquay on 5 December 1918. As the result of a blood test, he was admitted to the VD Convalescent Sector on 15 April 1919 and discharged on 24 April.

Mr Hermione Torepe, Temuka, received word in August 1919 that his son William, who went away with the Pioneer Maori Battalion, was on his way home. Driver W. H. Torepe returned to New Zealand by the “Hororata” (Returning Draft No. 280) which was due at Wellington on or about 20 September 1919, after embarking at Plymouth on 28 July 1919. He actually arrived at Temuka by train on the afternoon of 22 September. There the four Temuka men were met by a large crowd and the Temuka Municipal Brass Band played “Home Again”. In welcoming the men at the Post Office, the Mayor said they were very glad to have them back. “They had been away a very long time, . . . . . . They went away to help to win the war and the war had been won. These soldiers were deserving of all honour.” “The men having been heartily cheered, at the call of the Mayor, Mr J. Paiki spoke a few words of welcome, on behalf of the Maoris. He said he was exceedingly glad to see them all home again — not only one, but all. The only thing he regretted was, that the lad from the Pa had left his bride behind him for he would like to have expressed to her the congratulations of the Pa. He was sorry she had not come, but hoped she would be here soon. In conclusion, he again welcomed the men home, and wished them all prosperity. (Applause.) Hearty cheers were again given for the men, after which Driver Torepe, on behalf of his comrades and himself, expressed their appreciation of the kindly welcome they had received. He thanked them most heartily.”

The next night, when a welcome home social was tendered to Driver Torepe at the Arowhenua Pa, he was presented with a handsome gold medal by his Maori friends. The hall was well decorated and the floor in the best of dancing order; excellent music and a first-class supper were provided. The Mayor of Temuka said “they had assembled to honour a lad who had been away fighting for his country. For nearly five years he had been away from his people and home, among strangers, yet not among strangers, for wherever he went he had made friends. It was wonderful what Maori boys had done and Driver Torepe’s friends were anxious to show their appreciation that evening.” The decoration was pinned on the soldier’s coat amidst applause, after which all joined in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Driver Torepe replied at some length. He thanked the speakers for their kind remarks, and all for the hearty welcome and beautiful medal they had given to him. He would never forget the kindness bestowed upon him. He then gave an interesting little description of his life as a soldier from the time he enlisted 1914-15, including the landing at Gallipoli, where he was wounded, and his subsequent career in France, etc. He then [found] how the Maori company had gone into the fighting at Gallipoli …… strong, but in two days their numbers were so reduced by casualties that they had only two platoons and had to be mixed up with the other soldiers. They were like brothers, and so it had been throughout the war. They had gone to France and “carried on” like brothers with the other soldiers until they won and saw the Germans knuckle down to them.

William gave a total of five years and seven days of war service, commencing on 19 October 1914 and being discharged on 21 October 1919. In his four years 222 days overseas, he was engaged in all the campaigns, and was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Wm H. Torepe was one of the native boys who were presented with an illuminated address at a social function at the Arowhenua Pa in May 1920 (after the last man had returned). The hall was beautifully decorated, and there was a large attendance. Mr Pitama (president of the Tuahiwi Patriotic Committee) and Mr Teaika (representing Mr W. H. Uru, member for the Southern Maori District) were present. Excellent music was provided, and there were songs, dancing and a dainty supper. “The Maoris of Arowhenua could well be proud of the fact they had given to the war as a volunteer every boy capable of bearing arms, and he understood it was the same at Kaiapoi,” said Mr T. Gunnion, the Mayor of Temuka. “These were records that the Maoris could justly be proud of.” Mr W. H. Torepe on behalf of the Maori Pioneer Boys thanked Mr Pitama and his committee for their handsome presents. Mr Torepe’s company then contributed several Maori items. Dancing was resumed and kept going until an advanced hour. “The function was one of the most enjoyable held at the pa, and much of its success was due to the excellent arrangements made and carried out by the promoters, Messrs H. Torepe, H. Paiki and K. Kemara.”

Wiremu (William) Himiona Torepe was at Temuka immediately after his return from the war. In 1949 he was residing in Timaru where he remained until the early 1960s. In 1963 he was a pensioner at the same Karitane address as his widowed sister Mrs Kent and her two sons. What had happened to his English bride? William and Ruby had a son, Roy W. Torepe, who was born at Portsmouth in 1919 and died at birth or soon after. Then a daughter Iris Torepe was born at Portsmouth in 1923. Ruby F. Torepe had been at Portsmouth, married, with her parents in 1921. Did she visit New Zealand in the intervening years, or did William visit England? Ruby F. Worth who married Harold Deane in 1930 at Portsmouth, was there in 1939 and died there in 1951. Iris Torepe was a shop assistant at Southsea when she joined the Women’s Land army in October 1939, although it is not certain that she served. Iris married Abraham Isaac at Portsmouth in 1942.

William Himiona Torepe died suddenly at Karitane on 10 April 1966, aged 74 years. His death was registered as Wiremu Henry Torepe. His next-of-kin was his sister – Mrs M. H. Kent, Seaforth Road, Karitane. Following a service at the Huirapa Hall, Puketeraki, he was buried at the Puketeraki Cemetery near Karitane. Wiremu was the loved brother of Hine Kent and Nani Watson, both daughters of Tinieko Titama Paahi. A headstone at Puketeraki is inscribed – In loving memory of my sister Emma Goodwillie and brother Bill Torepe, Hine Kent. It appears the stone was erected by Hine Kent. Emma Goodwillie (born Kaahu), who was also a daughter of Tinieko Titama Paahi, died in November 1953. Makareti Hinenuiatekawa Kent died in September 1979 and was buried at Puketeraki Cemetery. Nani Hinerau Kawa Watson (née Kaahu) died in February 1982 and was buried at Dunedin.

William’s father was the Mr Torepe who often led a troupe of Maori in farewell song for soldiers leaving from Temuka and also gave other songs and choruses at soldiers’ socials. In July 1918, Mrs Kiti Torepe was the hon. secretary for the organisers of the dance that was held in the Maori Hall, Arowhenua on 1 August 1918, in aid of the Maori Soldiers’ Parcel Fund. She was also head of the Lady Liverpool Fund Committe. H. Torepe and two others arranged the social and presentation of Medals for two returned soldiers in the Arowhenua Hall on 29 July 1919. This was the sort of occasion he took great pleasure in. Mr Hemiona Torepe, chairman of the committee at the Maori Pa, Arowhenua, received a copy of the telegram from the The Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs – “I have the honour to inform you that it has .been decided by Cabinet that people of New Zealand should be asked to suspend all functions, activities, and celebrations throughout the Dominion on Peace Celebration Day, 19th July, from 12 noon until five minutes past that hour, in memory of the brave men belonging to the naval and military forces of Great Britain and her Allies, and especially of New Zealand soldiers,, the men of the Mercantile Marine, and also the noble army of Nursing Sisters, and other heroes and devoted men and women who sacrificed their lives in the cause of Freedom, Liberty and Justice. During the period stated, all processions should stop, all activities cease, and all transport services, motor-cars, and vehicles cease running. All male persons should bare their heads, and all persons should stand in reverent silence during that period as a tribute to the honoured dead.” At Temuka’s peace celebrations, the whole of the Maori contingent was under the supervision of Mr H. Torepe, and their display was an outstanding feature oi the procession. Hemiona Torepe died on 6 July 1926 at his residence, Arowhenua Pa. The news of his death was received with genuine regret by both Maori and Pakeha, by whom he was held in the highest respect. He was survived by his widow. Mrs Kiti Torepe, an adopted son, Mr W. H. Torepe, junr., a brother, Mr Wiremu Torepe, and a sister, Mrs Daniel Hopkinson. Mrs Kiti Torepe died in September 1926. Deep sympathy was felt for her adopted son, Mr W. Torepe, and her mother and other relatives. Both Mr and Mrs Torepe were well-known for their patriotic work during the Great War, especially in collecting funds for the relief of wounded and disabled soldiers.

From January 1917, the name of Private W. Torepe, Maori Contingent, appeared in the Active Service List - a list of those who had volunteered to serve the Empire with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and had gone from the Temuka district - published regularly by the Temuka Leader. There is a photo of William Himiona Torepe on page 6 of Album WWI Photograph Album - Egypt and Gallipoli, of Sergeant Douglas Gifford-Moore, held by the New Zealand Army Museum. Another photo in the album shows 16/191 Corporal William Himiona Torepe, Native Contingent, and Sergeant Major Metrick in Gizereh Gardens, Cairo. A photo of Corp. W. H. Torepe, wounded at Anzac, is attached to his Cenotaph record. There is also a photo of William Himiona Torepe printed in Onward: Portraits of the NZEF, Vol. 2 (held by the South Canterbury Genealogy Society). In the Otago Witness of 25 August 1915 is a photo of “The men of the Native Race who have responded to their country’s call – members of the Maori Contingent, W. Torepe seated in the second row from the front. James Daniel Hopkinson whose mother was Keita (Kate, née Torepe) Hopkinson, was a cousin of William Himiona Torepe. James too, served in World War One.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [17 February 2017]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK18805 W5557 0115291) [24 February 2017]; Timaru Herald, 18 February 1913, 30 July 1914, 1 October 1914, 31 October 1917, 1 & 13 November 1917, 25 & 28 August 1919 [TORPE], 23 September 1919, 25 May 1920, 8 July 1926, 27 September 1926, Temuka Leader, 20 February 1913, 22 September 1914, 6 January 1917, 14 & 21 August 1917, 1 & 13 November 1917, 25 July 1918, 8 & 25 March 1919, 12 April 1919, 19, 22 & 29 July 1919, 23 & 25 September 1919, 22 May 1920, 8 & 10 July 1926, 27, 28 & 30 September 1926, New Zealand Herald, 23 August 1915, Dominion, 23 August 1915, 9 November 1917, Press, 23 August 1915, 8 July 1926, Otago Witness, 25 August 1915, Star, 14 June 1917, Evening Post, 29 October 1917, 9 November 1917, 26 August 1919 (Papers Past) [01 November 2016; 17, 19, 25 & 26 February 2017; 06 August 2019; 30 July 2020; 21 & 23 September 2022; 16 July 2023; 05 December 2023; 30 May 2025]; Timaru Herald, 12 April 1966 (Timaru District Library) [17 February 2017]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [18 February 2017; June 2025]; Puketeraki Cemetery records & headstone image (Find A Grave) [30 May 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• TOREPE William Himiona - newspaper clippings (pdf, 164.3 KB updated 11-Jul-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS