Tauranga Moana iwi commemorate battles at Gate Pa and Te Ranga

Both Māori and British troops spilt blood and lost lives during the mid-1860s conflicts in Tauranga Moana.

Last updated: Monday, 25 March 2024 | Rāhina, 25 Poutūterangi, 2024

In 1864 approximately 200 Tauranga Moana Māori went up against 1,700 British troops at Gate Pa – and won. The defensive ingenuity by tūpuna Pene Taka Tuaia outwitted British soldiers, but eight weeks later they avenged their shame at Te Ranga - killing more than a hundred Māori warriors who they caught digging trenches.

Pukehinahina Charitable Trust received funding through the Te Pūtake o Te Riri Fund to commemorate the battles at Pukehinahina (Gate Pa) and Te Ranga. The below activities and events aim to increase awareness about local history, significant landmarks and people.

7 and 18 October | Bus Tours

Join Des Tata as he describes the history, key cultural sites, and the ancestors who were there, and the aftermath. No cost and refreshments provided but numbers are restricted so you must register here or by emailing info@ranginui.co.nz.

19 October, 6:30pm | An Evening for Te Weranga

Location: University of Waikato, Durham Street, Tauranga No cost but you must register by emailing teputaketga@gmail.com.

23 October, 11am | Mass Kapa Haka Pōwhiri

Buses from Tauranga Racecourse start at 9am. Location: Pukehinahina (Gate Pa) reserve.

28 October, 2:30-5pm | The Aftermath of the Battles

Listen to historian and writer Buddy Mikaere giving a talk about the aftermath of the Battles of Gate Pa and Te Ranga and how that experience has shaped the Tauranga of today. He will also talk about the planning for the proposed Te Pūtake o Te Riri Centre at Pukehinahina. Location: St George’s Parish Church, Gate Pa No cost but please register at teputaketga@gmail.com.