The Battle of Gate Pa is considered a pivotal moment in the founding of Tauranga city.
Battle of Gate Pa secondary schools speech contest winner Maraea Ranui, 16, with Pukehinahina Charitable Trust project director Buddy Mikaere. Photo/supplied
Commemoration activities have been taking place in Tauranga over the past year, including schools, displays and exhibitions throughout the city to commemorate 150 years since the battle. This week events are leading to aclimax on Tuesday, April 29, when several events will take place to remember those who lost their lives in the battle.
As a result of the Battle of Gate Pa, more British settled in Tauranga and the population grew.
April 26: Firing of salutes NZAC contingent plus 43rd Regiment re-enactment group April 27: A story of Gate Pa: Te Auetu and David Hall - told by the Hall Family - LDS chapel April 27: Gate Pa Exhibition - Greerton Hall April 28: NZ Army Band lunchtime concert - The Strand April 28: Judging of senior art competition - St George's Church Hall April 28: Gate Pa Commemoration Dinner - Trinity Wharf April 29: 6am: Dawn blessing of Gate Pa pou and flagpole 9am: Full military memorial service - Otamataha/Mission cemetery followed by morning tea at Trinity Wharf 2pm: Commemoration march, wero, reconciliation service and ceremony May 3: Judging of junior art competition May 8: Award function for essay competition winners - 247 Cameron Rd June 21: Te Ranga service and ceremony
Road closures:
There will be limited bus access through the road closure for Bayhopper buses (Routes 1 and 2). These routes will either operate as 'express services' at select times through the closure, or will be diverted around the closure. Routes 55 and 59 will remain largely unchanged, but will most likely be affected by delays. If you use a bus please expect the journey to take longer than normal and/or be aware it may travel on a different route. A complete map of road closures and detours can be viewed at here.
Please phone 0800 4BAYBUS (0800 4 22928) or visit www.baybus.co.nz for more details. A free Park n Ride will operate from the Tauranga Racecourse from 11am for the events at Gate Pa Domain. People can park at the race course and take a bus to and from the event.
