Remember the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā

The Reverend Deborah Garrett in front of the Anglican Parish of Gate Pā, which sits on the site of the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā. Photo / Brydie Thompson

A short service on April 29 will mark the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā.

Organiser Cliff Simons said the 4pm service was to commemorate the battle.

“We want to remember all those who fought and died in this tragic event, to reflect on the consequences of the military engagements for ngā iwi o Tauranga Moana and to consider the significance of this whole story for us as a city today.”

The service’s start time of 4pm is when the British forces began their assault on Pukehinahina-Gate Pā 161 years ago, Simons said.

The 150th anniversary of Pukehinahina/the Battle of Gate Pā in 2014 saw re-enactments of the pivotal battle. Photo / John Borren

“We will hear accounts and perspectives on the battle. The church bell will be rung 60 times to remember the approximately 60 men, on both sides, who lost their lives, and we will be led in prayers/karakia for the future of our city.

“Prayers will be offered by some young people from local schools, as well as representatives from local iwi and armed forces and other groups.”

This year, the event’s main speaker is Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale, who will deliver a short reflection on the battle and developments in the city today, said Simons.

Anglican Parish of Gate Pā Reverend Deborah Garrett said because St George’s Church sits on the site of the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā “we feel responsible for holding the story with integrity, and to offer ways that people can hear about, engage with, and reflect upon it and the Battle of Te Ranga, and what they mean for us living in Tauranga Moana today”.

“This will be the 10th time we have offered this service as an occasion for those who wish to continue to mark this day and its significance.”

The service is from 4pm on April 29 at Te Whare Karakia o Hori Tapu – St. George’s Anglican Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pā.