The Battle of Te Ranga is being brought back to life as people gather at the Pyes Pa site to commemorate the clash between Maori and British troops – 150 years on.
The corner of Pyes Pa and Joyce Roads have been turned into mock battle grounds as re-enactments take place today.
A haka is performed as part of the Battle of Te Ranga commemorations. Photos: Tracy Hardy. See below for a selection of photos from the event.
The commemorations began with a mihi and karakia at 7am blessing the site's newly-carve pou.
This was followed by a powhiri at 9am for visiting iwi from the kingitanga.
Dignitaries at the commemorations today include representatives of visiting hapu, NZ Defence staff, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby and city councillors.
Nga Roimata O Te Ranga – a recounting of June 21, 1864, in kapa haka and song – is set to start at 11am.
Battle of Te Ranga Commemoration organiser Buddy Mikaere says the re-enactment will be in song and dance.
'Then we'll have a service of remembrance, lay some wreaths and have lunch together.”
Read more of what Buddy says about the battle here.
The newly carved pou at the Battle of Te Ranga site.
2 comments
keep walm
Posted on 21-06-2014 12:36 | By Wonkytonk
Lets hope its warm, they all look a bit cold and shocked in the photos
Sad day ended with fierce haka
Posted on 23-06-2014 19:12 | By hakihana
Te Ranga has now had its pain and suffering put to rest with the karakia and haka, waiata performed on Saturday. It definately feels like that part of history is now settled and nga iwi can move forward. Thank you to the organisers of this event and to Kura Kokiri for thier emotional re-enactment performance, it was very moving. Wonky Tonk if u had of joined in the celebration instead of being a pesimist u would of realised the people weren't shocked as u say, and that is such and ignorant and arrogant comment to make, immature infact!
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