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Paradise Soldiers
Television (Full Length) – 2020
When World War I began, 500 Cook Islands men signed up with New Zealand to fight on European soil. Many lost their lives or returned home deeply changed. Documentary Paradise Soldiers looks at the strong bond between the Pacific Island nation and the New Zealand Defence Force, with veterans and their immediate families sharing the impact war has had on their lives. For Vietnam War veteran Ngatupuna Moeroa Harry Tei, active service brought tragedy home. While younger generations join up for the jobs and overseas opportunities the NZDF provides, archivist Paula Paniani honours veterans by cleaning up neglected headstones.
I am so passionate about it. This is our Cook Islands treasure, our World War I soldiers, they need to be acknowledged, they need to be recognised — their stories need to carry on.– Paula Paniani from the Cook Islands National Archives on restoring gravesites at Nikao cemetery in Rarotonga
Key Cast & Crew
See all 13 credits
Acknowledgements
Made with funding from NZ On Air
Categories
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