On April 29, 1864, Maori warriors – outnumbered 10 to one – inflicted a stunning defeat on numerous British Colonial forces in what's now known as the Battle of Gate Pa – which is recognised as significant in founding Tauranga City.

Reverend John Hebenton wants the public to attend St George's Anglican Church service this Friday, which will commemorate the Battle of Gate Pa. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

This Friday, April 29, Tauranga residents are invited to attend a memorial service at St George's Anglican Church to honour all those who fought and died in the Battle of Gate Pa.

The service will start at 4pm this Friday, which is when – exactly 152 years ago – British forces began their march up Pukehinahina.

An account of the battle will be read out followed by a time of silent reflection with images playing. And at 4.30pm the church bell will be rung 60 times to remember the 60 men who lost their lives on both sides of the battle.

Reverend John Hebenton says St George's Anglican Church was built on the battlesite about 116 years ago as a memorial to those involved and the descendants of those on the British side of the campaign.

But today the church wants to honour all those who sacrificed their lives in the battle.

'Because St George's Church sits on the battle-site we feel a sense of responsibility for holding the story of both sides of the battle and the aftermath with integrity, and to offer ways the people can hear about, engage with and reflect upon these stories and what they mean for us living in Tauranga Moana.

'We are very aware of the significance of this battle and the Battle of Te Ranga and how they contribute to the founding of our city – and one way to let others know is by telling the story.”

For example, the church bell, which came from the HMS Archeron submarine, which commemorates the naval officers and men who lost their lives in the battle.

John says two years ago – on the 150^th year since the Battle of Gate Pa – a huge commemoration attracted thousands but last year the very worthy 1915 Gallipoli landings took centre-stage.

So this year the Anglican Parish of Gate Pa and the Tauranga Moana Anglican Maori Mission hope to attract more people on April 29.

'It continues to be our hope that the commemorations of 2014 would be the beginning of some ongoing events for the people of this city to engage with the story of the New Zealand Land Wars and our colonial past and how these shape present day New Zealand society.

'Because the cost and consequences of the battle for nga iwi o Tauranga Moana were huge – so we need to remember the battle but also work out a way to build our future together.”

Ngai Tamarawaho kaumatua Peri Kohu says he is interested in keeping the battle's story in the public a bit more it 'so it becomes part of who we are, than the way it's been treated in the past”.

'I think the upcoming service is an important event of the ongoing action around the commemoration of the battle. It's about education; it's about keeping it in focus in the public.”

John hopes the church's simple service, offered as a contribution to the ongoing commemoration, may encourage other groups to offer events as well.

'We will finish our service on April 29 with prayers/karakia for the future of our city.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the memorial service at St George's Anglican Church, Gate Pa, this Friday, April 29, from 4pm.