He haerenga e kore rawa e warewaretia - a history lesson that will not be forgotten.
Earlier this month, fourteen students from Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparāoa made their way to the ancient sites of Italy on the historical and cultural journey of a lifetime.
For many, it was their first time on an aeroplane.
Making the trip even more special is the fact all ākonga are mokopuna of Te Whānau a Apanui soldiers who fought in Italy during World War II.
Native Affairs was invited along to capture the moments the students and their whānau retrace the footsteps of their ancestors.