Commemoration begins tomorrow

The first official commemorations of the New Zealand Wars will begin at Te Tii Marae, Waitangi, tomorrow, concluding on Sunday, 173 years to the day since Hone Heke’s men felled Russell’s flagpole, signalling an attack on the town and the start of the 10-month conflict.

Co-ordinator Mori Rapana said a mass haka powhiri by hundreds of warriors at Te Tii at 3pm would ignite the commemorations, continuing on Saturday with a bus tour leaving from the marae at noon to the battle sites of Ruapekapeka and Ohaeawai.

Sunday’s day of remembrance will start at the Russell wharf at 7.30am, focusing on Christ Church, around which most of the battle raged.

The commemorations will also feature speakers and panel discussions with experts and historians. All events are open to the public.

Organising committee chairman Aperahama Edwards said the aim was to remember the past, acknowledge differences, and aid reconciliation between the two cultures.