Commemorations honour formidable pa design

Peeni Henare

Iwi and hapu around Northland and beyond are uniting to prepare for an event which will mark 170 years since the Battle of Ruapekapeka Pa.

In December 1845, a 1600-strong force, which including British Colonial Forces and allied Ngapuhi, went to Ruapekapeka to battle against Ngapuhi and Ngati Hine.

Te Ruki Kawiti built the pa, with double palisades and a complex network of tunnels and trenches. On New Year's day 1846, the British began a two-week bombardment with cannons, howitzers, mortars and rockets. And, on January 10, a massive coordinated bombardment was directed at the pa, which was too much for even the strongest palisade, and the defences were soon breached.

Ruapekapeka Trust chairman Peeni Henare, said the 170th commemorations next January would see hapu from across the nation come together to mark the historic event.

"It wasn't just Ngapuhi and Ngati Hine involved, hapu as far as Tauranga and Waikato sent troops to help. So [for the commemorations], it has been quite a task to coordinate so many people spread out but thanks to modern technology we've been able to do that."

Mr Henare said 2015 marked quite a number of war commemorations including the 150th commemoration of the battle at Te Tarata pa in Waikato. Mr Henare said there were many reasons to commemorate the Battle of Ruapekapeka Pa.

"It's significant as the site is known for its design - it was formidable. It was significant as it marked the end of the Northern War."

This event is also about uniting everyone during a time where Maori politics regarding Treaty settlements are strong in Northland, he said.

Haka preparations for the event have started and will be taking place around Northland and in Auckland. The 170th commemorations will be on January 10 at Ruapekapeka Pa.