WHEN

In the early hours of 10th May 2025, on the shores of Lake Omāpere and on Te Kāhika Pā, local hapū, local kura and Te Pūtake o te Riri Kōmiti, will host the 180th commemoration of the Battle of Te Kāhika.

Five years after the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi the fluttering Union Jack on Te Maiki Hill overlooking the township of Kororāreka had become a symbol of frustration and a focus for anger by local hapū of Ngāpuhi. On March 11th 1845, Kawiti, Pumuka and others attacked Kororareka township while Hone Heke felled the Union Jack on Maiki Hill. That event and date marks the beginning of what we now know as the Battle of Kororāreka and the Northern Wars. The Northern Wars, fought in 1845/46 were the first in this series of major conflicts that devastated iwi, hapu and whanau throughout the country.

Eight weeks later on 8 May, 1845 the British attacked under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hulme, who launched an assault on Te Kāhika Pā, hoping to capture the Māori rangatira, Te Ruki Kawiti and Hone Heke and bring the so-called rebels to heel. Heke and Kawiti strategically defended the small fortified pa (Te Kāhika Pā) at Lake Ōmāpere, with warriors both within and outside the pā. The British were unable to take the pā and ultimately withdrew. Both sides suffered casualties during the battle. The British had thirteen soldiers killed, while Māori fatalities were higher, with Kawiti losing a son, Taura, during the fighting.

The battle of Te Kāhika was a significant event in the Northern Wars, showcasing the resilience and strategic prowess of the Māori defenders. It also highlighted the British inability to effectively overcome the fortified Māori positions.

We remember and honour our tūpuna who fought to protect their territories and the promises made in He Whakaputanga and te Tiriti o Waitangi

In the stage two Waitangi report released in December 2023, the Crown conceded that making a cession of land a condition for peace in July 1845 breached Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles. As a result the war continued the prejudice of those affected by it.

Today in these times of hardship, poverty and challenges our local hapū face, we look to our ancestors for inspiration, strength and pride, we stand together, shoulder to shoulder across te Whare Tapu o Ngāpuhi and focus on building a brighter and better future for our tamariki mokopuna. The brilliance and genius our tupuna firmly grounded in our culture is worthy of our admiration and aspiration.

This commemoration is open to all.

HOW

The commemoration ceremony and re-enactment will begin with karakia at 5.00am on the battle site located State highway 1 approximately 1.5km north of Te Pua Road. This first part of the commemoration is for able-bodied people only. Warm, wet-weather clothing and sensible footwear is strongly advised.

It is important, NO vehicles are taken to the battle site, people are advised to park at Ōkaihau College, 58 Settlers Way, Ōkaihau where shuttles will take people to and from the site from 4.00am onward.

Following this ceremony the event will move to Ōkaihau College for a pōwhiri into the school hall at 6.30am, where formalities and wānanga will continue.

This will be followed by a shared breakfast provided by the local people.

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