Symposium to understand Maori Wars

A two-day symposium is being held to deepen the understanding of the wars between Maori and colonial troops.

A two-day symposium on Maori perspectives of conflict aims to deepen understanding of the wars between Maori and colonial troops, and how they have affected lives today.

Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, with the support of Te Puni Kokiri, have organised the first Te Putake o te Riri symposium in Whakatane this week to foster critical awareness of historical wars between various iwi and the Crown.

The symposium will bring together a range of speakers with academic interest and expertise in the New Zealand Wars to present an historical overview and discuss the impacts of conflict on particular iwi.

The New Zealand Wars began in 1843 near Blenheim with the Wairau massacre. Other major incidents included Whanganui, Waikato, Taranaki, the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast, and the Te Kooti campaign in 1872.

Executive director of research and innovation at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, Professor Te Kani Kingi, said the inaugural symposium was an opportunity to involve the community in academic debate and provide a contemporary Maori perspective on historical conflict.

"Regional experiences of war and conflict differed, but there is a connected history that has shaped how we have evolved as a nation.

"War and conflict between Maori and the Crown have had a lasting impact on the lives of New Zealanders. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of these impacts, to learn from history and to encourage informed conversations about our shared past," Prof Kingi said.

Sir Wira Gardiner will open Wednesday's programme with a discussion about war and conflict, and Harawira Pearless will talk about the 28th Maori Battalion.

Other speakers over the two days include Che Wilson on the Whanganui experience, Buddy Mikaere on Pukehinahina (Gate Pa), Haare Williams on Te Kooti, Dr Vincent O'Malley on the Waikato Wars, Kelvin Day on the Taranaki Wars, and Judge Layne Harvey on the Ngati Awa experience.

Dr Joanna Kidman will present an overview of the national initiative that has resulted in events being held across Aotearoa to mark the New Zealand Wars with October 28 the official day of commemoration.

Prof Kingi said the symposium at the Awanuiarangi campus tomorrow and Thursday is free, and limited places are still available.

Registrations can be made with erica.herangi@wananga.ac.nz.