Fund raises awareness of New Zealand Wars

The Government has committed $4 million towards telling the stories of the New Zealand Wars.

Ma¯ ori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced applications were open for the Te Pu¯ take o Te Riri – Wars and Conflicts in Aotearoa New Zealand Fund, which supports wha¯nau, hapu¯ and iwi to promote and deliver events commemorating the New Zealand Wars.

‘‘Our history is bursting with notable rangatira whose prowess in war, strategic and tactical feats are compelling and continue to impact on how communities have settled and relate to their own story,’’ Mahuta said. ‘‘Yet only a small portion of the community know this story and it needs to be shared and understood.’’

The fund would provide opportunities to share stories, which were born out of conflict, but nonetheless were an ‘‘important aspect of our New Zealand identity’’, she said.

The $4m over four years would focus on increasing awareness about history, significant landmarks, and people.

The fund was for regional commemorative events of the conflicts, which took place in the 1800s, as well as national events held on the national commemoration day.

The first national commemoration day took place on March 11 in Russell, and was hosted by Te Tai Tokerau. The next national commemoration day is in Taranaki on October 28, 2019.