Charles Bennett (high commissioner)

Sir Charles Bennett DSO PMN
23rd President of the Labour Party
In office 1972–1976
Vice President	Gerald O'Brien
Preceded by	Bill Rowling
Succeeded by	Arthur Faulkner
2nd High Commissioner to Malaya
In office 1959–1963
Prime Minister	Walter Nash Keith Holyoake
Preceded by	Foss Shanahan
Succeeded by	Hunter Wade
Personal details
Born	27 July 1913 Rotorua, New Zealand
Died	26 November 1998 Tauranga, New Zealand
Political party	Labour
Alma mater	Canterbury University

Sir Charles Moihi Te Arawaka Bennett DSO PMN (27 July 1913 – 26 November 1998) was a New Zealand broadcaster, military leader, public servant, and high commissioner to the Federation of Malaya (1959–1963). Of Māori descent, he identified with the Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Whakaue iwi.

Bennett was born in Rotorua, New Zealand on 27 July 1913, one of 19 children of Frederick Augustus Bennett of Ngati Whakaue of Te Arawa, and his second wife, Arihia Ngarangioue (Rangioue) Hemana (or Pokiha).

From the age of six months to thirteen years Charles was raised by his grandparents at Maketu. He won a scholarship to Te Aute College, where he was a distinguished student, head prefect and footballer. He obtained a BA in 1936 from Canterbury University College.

Charles Bennett joined the 28th (Maori) Battalion at the outbreak of war in 1939. He underwent officer training at Trentham Military Camp, embarking overseas in May 1940 as a second lieutenant in B Company. On Lieutenant-Colonel George Dittmer's staff he fought in Greece and Crete. He led an intelligence unit responsible for reconnaissance, speaking on the radio in Maori. In November 1941 Bennett was promoted to captain.

By October 1942 Bennett was a major commanding B Company. Early in November his two superiors were wounded in fighting near Tel el Aqqakir, and Bennett then commanded the Māori Battalion, being promoted lieutenant-colonel (the youngest battalion commander in the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force).

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