“I just tried to give perspective on that, because not many people know about that even [though] like, as a school, we’re right next door.
“It’s really important to remember them and their family and what they went through… it’s important to know the history of your land.”
Her prize was presented on Friday by historian and local kaumātua Buddy Mikaere (Ngāi Tamarāwaho).
Mikaere has sponsored the competition for the past four years. He said being the closest school to the battle site allowed students of Aquinas College to gain a deeper understanding of the historic battle.
“I’m always amazed every year [that] the students who enter the competition come up with fresh perspectives on what happened.”
Mikaere said the impetus for creating the competition came from the Government’s decision to put more emphasis on teaching New Zealand history.
“So the curriculum has changed to meet that demand.
“I also think it’s helped raise the level of understanding about our own history.”