It is about phonetics between spoken Maori and the English spelling. No different to Irish, Scottish or American English. The correct Maori spelling is Whi but sounds like Phee or Fee in English. So Phee was written down on his decoration and roll call. The same thing happened with soldiers of 28th Maori Battalion WW2 where names were spelt incorrectly on decoration or death notices. Even the Maori Battalion soldier who Whi was named after had his name incorrectly spelt.. 802291 Pte Phee Wanoa, C Company 28 Maori Bn WW2. Children were named after brothers or sons who fought and died in battles.. Names like Crete Haami, Moana Ngarimu, Whi Wanoa etc.. There were 11 members from Wanoa family (brothers, cousins) who fought in the 28 Maori Bn. All the Maori Bn soldier were volunteers from small places like Te Araroa, Ruatoria, Ahipara, Waiomio. Not conscripted. They were the most battle deployed infantry battalion of NZ Army during WW2. 42 battle honours given under Royal Proclamation from King George VI. Maori Bn fighting roughly a major battle a month hence highest casualty rate of NZ Army (70% missing, wounded or KIA). On return to New Zealand, 28th Maori Bn was disbanded on 24 Jan 1946. No battle honours, some medals and no rehabilitation was given to Maori soldiers by NZ Government. Thank you for your service, Maori Battalion. Dismiss. They were given their final pay and a free train ticket home. So its no surprise that Whi Wanoa name was spelt LCpl Phee Wanoa 4 TP, NZSAS. Its not the first time. But NZArmy got a lot better with advent of NgatiTumatauenga the NZ Army Culture in July 1994. Now nearly 30 years. Lest we forget. Kia maumahara tonu tatou.