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Willie Apiata VC
  • Published: 3 March 2009
  • ISBN: 9780143304579
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $26.00

Willie Apiata VC

A Reluctant Hero



The story of New Zealand war hero Willie Apiata's extraordinary and inspiring feats, told in his own words.

The story of New Zealand war hero Willie Apiata's extraordinary and inspiring feats, told in his own words.
Corporal Willie Apiata became the first New Zealander since the Second World War to be awarded the Commonwealth's highest military award for his actions with the NZ SAS in Afghanistan. From his early life in small town East Coast New Zealand to his actions in the deserts of Afghanistan, this is his story in his words. Inspiring, and heart warming, this is the story of an ordinary Kiwi facing extraordinary challenges.

  • Published: 3 March 2009
  • ISBN: 9780143304579
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $26.00

About the author

Paul Little

Paul Little is one of New Zealand's most experienced journalists. He has been editor of Metro, the New Zealand Listener and FQMen magazines, contributed to numerous other publications and also written for television and radio. He is the author of three previous biographies, Arrested Development: The Aaron Cohen Story, Hayley Westenra: The World at Her Feet and Willie Apiata, VC.

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Awards & recognition

NZ Post Book Awards

Shortlisted  •  2010  •  Non-Fiction Award