 Nevertheless , it was decided that the battalion 's key positions , including its officers , non commissioned officers ( NCOs ) and signallers , would initially be filled largely by New Zealanders of European descent . This decision was met with some consternation , so assurances were made that over time suitable Māori candidates would take over these positions . In this regard , it was decided that the battalion 's first commanding officer would be a regular officer , Major George Dittmer — later promoted to lieutenant colonel in January 1940 — and that his second @-@ in @-@ command would be a Reserve officer , Lieutenant Colonel George Bertrand , a part @-@ Māori who would take up the position with the rank of major . Both men were veterans of the First World War and had considerable experience . 
