 Following this the routine of the battalion became more settled and time was found for the men of each company to spend a fortnight at a hotel on the Lignano beach . Afterwards , preparations began for the battalion 's return to New Zealand . The war with Japan continued however , and at the time it was believed that the Māoris would take part in further operations in the Pacific . New Zealand policy at the time was that long serving men were to be repatriated and their places taken by men with less time in service . In this regard , commencing in late May , drafts of men departed in the order of their arrival at the battalion . This included the commanding officer , Lieutenant Colonel <unk> Awatere , who was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel James Henare . 
