A little known war history

One of my team members, who is from the Cook Islands, has been involved in organising a large event this week to commemorate 100 years since 500 Cook Island soldiers sailed into Wellington to join with NZ forces in WW1. Tui's grandfather and 2 of her great uncles were among the men who went off and fought in the trenches in France. It's been interesting talking to her about it. The planning had taken months - there were family representatives from each soldier; a march from Queens Wharf where they landed to Parliament; a memorial on the lawns of Parliament and a reception in the Debating Chamber. All this was scheduled for Tuesday. The earthquakes and floods did stop the march but everything else went close to plan. Good interview here http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201824274/cook-island-ww1-soldiers-remembered-in-nz