Corporal Willy Apiata returned home to a rapturous welcome from his people, going back to his marae for the first time since receiving the Victoria Cross.
Apiata was presented with the Victoria Cross last month, the first New Zealander to receive the medal since World War II.
The modest and softly spoken Apiata, a member of the SAS, carried an injured comrade to safety under a hail of bullets in Afghanistan in 2004.
Apiata's identity and role within the SAS had been a closely guarded secret until he won the Victoria Cross. Now he is very much a public figure and the celebration at Te Kaha marae near Opotiki on Saturday is expected to draw crowds of up to 3,000 people.
In preparation for the influx into the area locals pooled all their resources and manpower together to ensure Apiata's return home goes without a hitch.
"It's been quite a task to co-ordinate the whole thing, to get food organised," says resident and former school teacher Tuihana Pooks.
To help out, the army has arrived.
"We're quite polished at fitting into these scenarios and I must say it's been made easier some very willing people to assist," says Major Graeme Tod.
But for the community it is not only about coming together to celebrate the bravery of a soldier, it is also a time to remember the heroes of another war.
"We're noted for our soldiers, we were in the 28 Maori Battalion and it is an honour now to get one of our own who's come home," says Pooks.
It is also about remembering the good times - Apiata lived with school friend Reuben Parkinson's family for some time and the pair found they had a lot in common.
"We wagged a lot of school, that's why he went into the army and I'm a rugby player," says Parkinson.
And his mates have their own pet name for their hero: Mudguts.
"He liked to over indulge in the chocolate cakes and doughnuts," says Parkinson.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and other dignitaries will join the celebration on Saturday, during which Apiata will lay a wreath in memory of soldiers that have passed away.
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