The Anglican Church will be in Tauranga next month to make a formal apology for giving land gifted to it by local iwi, to the crown.

On November 30 1838, local iwi transferred the land known as Te Papa to the Church Missionary Society.

After the battle of Gate Pa, the Battle of Te Ranga and the Bush campaign, the crown put pressure on the church to sell the land to the Crown for European settlement.

In a statement provided to SunLive by Priority One, it says the Anglican Synod recently agreed to make a formal apology to Tauranga Moana iwi for this situation, providing a step towards the social, spiritual and economic recovery that Tangata Whenua have waited patiently for.

Two events have been planned to recognise the outcome:

The first event will be Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon, Puhirake Ihaha of Ngati Tapu, Peri Khu of Ngai Tamarawaho and Dr Alistair Reese of Te Kohinga will explain the background for the benefit of the Tauranga Moana community.

This will take place on Monday November 12, from 7pm till 9pm, at Baycourt.

The second event will follow on taking place on Saturday December 1.

Anglican Church leaders have been invited by Ngai Tamarawaho and Ngati Tapu leaders to make their formal apology.

Tangata Whenua and Tauranga Moana civic and church leaders and community will be present as witness and in support.

This will take place on Saturday December 1 from 9am till 2pm.