Northern battle commemorated

Commemorations were being held at Kawiti Marae in Waiomio, Te Tai Tokerau, yesterday to mark the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Te Ruapekapeka.

Ruapekapeka is regarded as a significant heritage site. Over several days in January 1846, British troops attacked Te Ruapekapeka Pa¯. The battle was one of the earliest occasions when relations between Ma¯ori and Europeans deteriorated into open warfare.

Event manager Huhana Lyndon said Provincial Growth Fund money had been allocated for an upgrade of the pa¯ area and some work had been completed in time for the commemoration.

Yesterday’s events started with a po¯whiri of the hapu¯ of the trust of Te Ruapekapeka which is co-governed with the Department of Conservation (DOC). The event was to continue into the evening when different hapu¯ would get together with many bringing photos and taonga of their loved ones and ancestors who participated in the battle, Lyndon said.

Today, many will get together at Waimate Taiamai where hapu¯ will show them round. Nga¯ti Manu, Te Kapotai, Nga¯ti Hau and Nga¯ti Hine have worked together to organise the events.

The commemorations will culminate in a remembrance ceremony at the pa¯ tomorrow. People were asked to show reverence and respect for tipuna, no matter which side they fought on, Lyndon said. - RNZ