Aariki Eric Pirikahu was born in Mōkau on 29 November 1926. His parents Turangi (Wiremu/William) Pirihaku (1890-1961) and Hiringapare (Polly) Pirikahu (nee Adlam) (1896-1966) had at least 10 other children. His first name was sometimes spelled Ariki but he was known as Bebo.
Bebo served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the Second World War. He then became a career soldier, serving as a Signalman with the British Commonwealth Forces in Korea (Kayforce), a Lance Corporal with the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment in Malaya and later with the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment in Borneo. He was a decorated member of the armed forces, awarded the Korea Medal (EIIR or Queen’s Korea Medal), the United Nations Medal for Korea, the General Service Medal 1962 (Borneo Clasp) and the New Zealand Operational Service Medal.
Aariki Pirikahu never married or had children. He died on 17 July 1986 aged 59 and his whanau held a service for him at Manukorihi Marae before burying him in the Services area of Waitara Cemetery.
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
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