Military Hero Declines Being on New Zealand Stamp

The New Zealand Herald reports, "A new stamp issue honouring New Zealand's 22 Victoria Cross holders is to be issued without the country's best-known living war hero."

Reporter Yvonne Tahana quotes New Zealand Defence Force medals policy adviser Jack Hayes as saying, "Corporal Apiata, VC, was involved in early discussions about the stamp issue, and while supportive of honouring those who have been awarded the VC in the past, he felt it was not appropriate for his image to be on a postage stamp at this stage."

Apiata was awarded a VC in 2007 - the first in 60 years - for rescuing an injured colleague while under fire in Afghanistan. He will be represented on his stamp by his medal.

NZ Post will launch the Victoria Cross - the New Zealand Story, a series of 22, 60c stamps, on April 14.

Shown above, Corporal Willie Apiata.

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