Morena and good morning Sunners, welcome to Saturday and the 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Gate Pā/Pukehinahina.

With the MetService predicting showers turning to rain in the evening, take a jacket with you if you plan on heading out to attend any of the events taking place in and around Gate Pā today.

Commemorations for the Battle of Gate Pā is, one of the defining military engagements in Tauranga's history, got underway with a dawn service at Pukehinahina/Gate Pā this morning.

The service is being followed by the unveiling of the new information Pānel near the former site of the Durham Redoubt at 9am. The redoubt was built by British Army regiment, the 68th Durham Light Infantry, which took Pārt in the battle.

Hosted by Ngai Tamarawaho, the unveiling will feature addresses from Michael Lawton representing the Durham Light Infantry, Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless, and a representative from the New Zealand Defence Force.

Then this afternoon, the Anglican Pārish of Gate Pā and the Tauranga Moana (Anglican) Maori Mission will host a short service at St. Georges Anglican Church to commemorate the Battle of Gate Pā and to honour all those who fought and died in this tragic event.

Starting at 4pm – when the British forces began their march up Pukehinahina – service goers will hear an account of the battle and then have a time of silent reflection with images playing.

The bell will then be rung 60 times to remember the approximately 60 men who lost their lives in the battle at 4.30pm, with the service concluding prayers/karakia for the future of our city.

To learn more about the Battle of Gate Pā/Pukehinahina, visit www.battleofgatepa.com

For more events taking place in and around Tauranga today, see SunLive's full ‘What's On?' listing below:

WHAT'S ON – SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Bay Network Singles Social Club

55+ who wish to make new friends & enjoy club activities, dining, shows, trips, bbq's etc. Mary-Anne 027 207 1690 or 576 9988

Baypark Family Speedway

Fireworks Extravaganza – Closing Night 6.30-10pm. Stock drivers from the top half of the North Island will compete for the Harry Fredrickson Stock Gold Cup. Tickets from $20. www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz

Caravan & Motorhome Owners

Interested in joining like minded people & attend weekend rallies? Neal 576 9031

Czech & Slovak Club Tauranga

Burning of witches + Lucie Dobrovodska & Paka Concert at Redwood Valley Farm. Buy your ticket on https://www.csclubtauranga.nz/en/events/

Exhibition by Tracey Clark

'Sweet Inspirations” with paintings of quirky birds, on show at The Art Lounge NZ, Devonport Rd until May 9 (Tues to Sat 11am - 5pm).

Friendship Force International

Friendship & Home Hosting exchanges with other clubs worldwide. Barbara 574 5711 or email: regclothier@gmail.com www.thefriendshipforce.org

Katikati Youth Skate Comp

Katikati Skate Park 11.30am registration, 12.30pm start. $5 entry. Prize categories: Under 13, Under 16, Open & Best Trick. 549 0399. Wet weather postponement date May 6th.

LOL Laughter Wellness

Have a laugh in the winter timeslot at Arataki Community Centre, Mount 11-11.45am. $3 door. Trish 022 036 6768 email: lollaughterwellness@gmail.com

Messianic Meetings

Every Sat at Hillier Centre, 31 Gloucester Rd, Mt Maunganui 10am. Seek to unite together in our walk to put truth into action on a daily basis. 544 7424 or 0210 226 3515

Narcotics Anonymous Open Meetings

Sat 7.30-8.30pm & every Sun 7-8pm, Hanmer Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton. Mon 7-8pm & Fri 7.30-8.30pm, Hillier Centre. 31 Gloucester Rd, Mt Maunganui. Women's Meeting every Tues 10.30-11.30am Downstairs Hall, Salvation Army Recovery Church, 375 Cameron Rd. 0800 NA TODAY

Papamoa Healing Centre

Papamoa Library, 15 Gravatt Rd. May 6 – Mini Expo Healers Night. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start. Entry $15 inc free raffle & supper. 022 0670 467

Petanque @ Club Mt Maunganui

Sat 1pm. Equip available, all levels welcome. Arnold 544 5598

Sabbath Service

Every Sat 10.30am Bible discussion adults & children. 11.45am share blessings/singing/sermon Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui. 576 0435 or 021 0778 214

Tauranga Writers

Bringing out the Book in You. Heremanuhiri Room, Greerton Library. 10am-4pm. Special guest: novelist John Stuart Reynolds with Writing Your First Novel, etc. (12-1pm.) Gold coin entry. 07 777 0212, txt 028 406 32 40.

Te Whakakaha Trust

Celebrate the declaration of Sanctuary status for the Otawa Conservation area. Meet at the Sanctuary area, 1254 No 3 Road, Te Puke 10am – 2pm for a bbq in celebration. Official proceedings 11am. Parking: Drive through the open gate to the end of the gravel road. Email: tewhakatrust@gmail.com

The Original Greerton Hall Market

8am – 12pm. Crafts, plants, produce, bric-a-brac. Stalls inside/outside. Tea, coffee, food available. New stallholders always welcome. Tricia/Gary 543 1487 or 027 908 2952. greertonmarket@actrix.co.nz www.facebook.com/greertonhallmarket

Village Radio

Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1940's - 90's weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710

Virtually on Track

Goosechase challenge. Keep the kids entertained these holidays. Amazing Race-style challenge at McLaren Falls Park. Download the goosechase app on your smartphone, sign up & search ‘Sport BOP McLaren Falls Magic'. More info at www.sportbop.co.nz/getactive/virtually-on-track/

World Dance Day

‘Give dance a go' at Anglican Hall, Beach Rd, Katikati 2-4pm. Door donation. Gayle 577 1753 or 027 274 8753

To place a listing on SunLive's ‘What's On?' page email Julie: julie@thesun.co.nz