On a school trip to the museum, Maia is drawn to a powerful display honouring the Māori Battalion. Among the medals and faded photographs, one portrait captures his attention—a young soldier whose eyes feel strangely familiar. Questions begin to stir in Maia’s heart, leading him back to his home and a conversation that changes everything. When Maia asks about his connection to the soldier, Nanny Rakai is forced to revisit a story she has carried in silence for many years—the story of her papa, a brave member of the Battalion who never returned home from war. What follows is a deeply emotional journey through memory, loss, and love as Maia learns that some stories are heavy, but healing begins when they are finally spoken. Through honest kōrero, Maia helps his Nanny reconnect with the past, transforming grief into remembrance and strengthening the bonds between generations. In doing so, he discovers what it truly means to be a kaitiaki—not just of land or tradition, but of stories, even the ones that hurt. A moving story of whakapapa, courage, and healing, this tale gently reminds readers that our ancestors live on through us—and that sharing their stories can bring light to even the deepest sadness.
