The country's most decorated living war hero is returning to the New Zealand Defence Force in a special new role — and a promotion to a higher rank.
In 2007, Corporal Bill Henry "Willie" Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery under fire after carrying a wounded comrade across a battlefield to safety during a night attack in Afghanistan in 2004.
Apiata left full-time military service in 2011 but remains a member of the New Zealand Army Reserve Forces and provides mentoring for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
The Waikato-born Victoria Cross recipient was flanked by his mother and three sons as he returned to the SAS base he called home for 10 years.
Apiata was on the base as part of a special ceremony promoting him to Honorary Warrant Officer Class One — the highest rank a non-commissioned officer can earn.
He told 1News presenter Melissa Stokes his promotion in recognition of his service to the country "felt great".
"Ever since I was a private soldier — as any private soldier — that's the rank we all aspired to get to," he said following the ceremony.
Willie Apiata is returning to the Defence Force in a special new role, with promotion to a higher rank.
Despite leaving full-time military service in 2011, Apiata maintains a strong sense of duty.
"I've never taken off my uniform from day one, when I first put it on — and I still continue to wear it every day as a serviceman," he said. "And for them to reenlist me and provide the support ..."
Apiata admitted he was nervous in the days leading up to his promotion to Warrant Officer.
"It actually felt like I'd just opened the first letter from the Queen and being awarded the Victoria Cross all over again."
The NZDF's chief Air Marshal Kevin Short also approved Apiata as the Special Representative to the NZDF, effective from today.
"It is such an important occasion. He's such a good man and I know that he will — with absolute passion, humility, and mana — represent us so well as he already has," Short said.
Apiata admitted being New Zealand's only living Victoria Cross recipient used to weigh on him heavily.
"I've grown with the responsibility. I've grown with the award. I embrace everything it has now and what it shares, and what it enables myself to be able to do," he said.
"I understand the mana of it, the taonga and how it inspires people. I embrace what it means. I use the positivity from the award to inspire others."
The NZDF said Apiata's new rank will also help his ongoing work with recruitment, retention, and veterans' rights.
"A big thing for all of us that are in service is 'never leave anyone behind' and I will continue to support and do the mahi for all who have served in our New Zealand Defence Force," he said.
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