“No matter how uncomfortable the conversation can be for some of us, these historical wars between Māori and Colonial troops have shaped how we have evolved as a nation,” she says.

The Te Pūtake o Te Riri – Wars and Conflicts in New Zealand national event is taking place in Waitangi and Kororāreka/Russell in Te Tai Tokerau from Friday 9 – Sunday 11 of March.

The event commemorates the Battle of Kororāreka, which began on March 11, 1845, and led to the destruction of the township of Russell.

Di says the Battle of Kororāreka, and conflicts in many regions have had lasting impacts on relationships in many communities.

“It is important that we understand how wars and conflicts at home have shaped us as a nation, just as we acknowledge wars that happened overseas.

“Sharing our different perspectives on these wars and conflicts helps us to build a wider understanding and awareness, and will hopefully help us to heal and move forward.”

Te Pūtake o Te Riri – Wars and Conflicts in New Zealand Fund

The national commemoration in Te Tai Tokerau has been funded by the Te Pūtake o Te Riri – Wars and Conflicts in New Zealand Fund, which was launched by Te Puni Kōkiri in 2017.

The fund supports iwi, hapū and whānau to commemorate historical wars and conflicts between various iwi and the Crown.

Several regional events were supported by the fund last year, as well as the inaugural commemoration day He Rā Maumahara, to be held on 28 October every year.

For more information, visit our Te Pūtake o Te Riri page.

 

Media contact

Nicky Birch
Te Puni Kōkiri, Communications Manager
bircn@tpk.govt.nz or 0277627293