A community on the western coast of the Firth of Thames is sharing stories of the past to ensure future generations learn and remember the history that has shaped their lives.

Thames Coromandel District Council staff and Councillor Martin Rodley joined more than 200 Ngāti Paoa and guests on Friday in commemorating the 160th anniversary of an unprovoked, brutal attack against local iwi during the New Zealand land wars.

On November 3, 1863, the warship HMS Miranda and two other ships shelled Ngāti Paoa kāinga - homes at Pūkorokoro, up the western coast of the Firth of Thames, killing many men, women and children, and causing the rest of the inhabitants to flee.

The attack was part of a campaign to take over land, set up military redoubts and quash Māori Kingitanga resistance.

The events that day were key to land confiscation that took place in the whole of Pūkorokoro, Maramarua, Wharekawa and Hunua on the western front of Hauraki.

For the past four years Ngāti Paoa from Makomako Marae have led Waitakaruru School and whānau on a hikoi - walk to the local maunga - mountain (Rātāroa), marae (Makomako), awa - river (Pūkorokoro), and moana - sea (Tīkapa), sharing korero - stories around the history of these spaces.

Local community gathers to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the shelling at Pūkorokoro. Photo: Thames Coromandel District Council.

“Friday was dedicated to educating tamariki - children from local schools and the community about this significant historical chapter, ensuring they remember the past that shaped our community,” says a Thames Coromandel District Council spokesperson.

“Many thanks to Ngāti Paoa for organising the event, including wāhine affiliated with Wharekawa and Makomako Marae, supported by the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, and the local community.”