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While the UK was sleeping, 
’s PM Jacinda Arden, and 
’s High Commissioner took part in a ceremony at Te Ruapekapeka.
A battle took place there 175 years ago, part of NZ’s and the Poachers’ history.
#TeRuapekapeka175
’s PM Jacinda Arden, and ’s High Commissioner took part in a ceremony at Te Ruapekapeka.A battle took place there 175 years ago, part of NZ’s and the Poachers’ history.
#TeRuapekapeka175
Te Ruapekapeka was the final battle of the Northern War of 1815-1846, and in which the Maori nations, or iwi, were split between supporting or fighting the Crown.
At Te Ruapekapeka the two Maori leaders Te Ruki Kawiti and Hōne Heke Pōkai held a last stand behind a strongly built fort (or pā) on an inland and inaccessible hilltop.
Artillery was needed to breach it.
@RNZTeAoMaori
Artillery was needed to breach it.
@RNZTeAoMaori
It took the 1,300-strong British force and 400 Maori allies a month to drag artillery across 20km of rugged hills.
With mortars, rockets and 32 pounders, the 500 warriors armed with muskets and light cannon were badly outnumbered.
(View from Te Ruapekapeka via @saurimo44 )
With mortars, rockets and 32 pounders, the 500 warriors armed with muskets and light cannon were badly outnumbered.
(View from Te Ruapekapeka via @saurimo44 )
After a week of harassing fire against the superbly built pā a general bombardment breached the walls on 10 Jan 1846.
When the British entered, the pā was almost deserted - the Maori had withdrawn at some point, leaving Kawiti and a dozen warriors to ambush the British.
When the British entered, the pā was almost deserted - the Maori had withdrawn at some point, leaving Kawiti and a dozen warriors to ambush the British.
Kawiti and his warriors managed to withdraw from the pā after heavy fighting. 12 British soldiers and sailors were killed and an unknown number of #Maori.
Victory or defeat? The British now held the pā, but it had no strategic value - it was purely chosen to be defendable and give them a bloody nose.
Kawiti and Pōkai succeeded; Peace between the iwi and the Crown soon followed.
Kawiti and Pōkai succeeded; Peace between the iwi and the Crown soon followed.
This morning the commemoration was about Kawea a Pūriri Mai - a shared journey of reverence, remembrance and respect.
Proof that old enemies can become firm friends and that a nation can commemorate divisions in its history.
Proof that old enemies can become firm friends and that a nation can commemorate divisions in its history.
The @RANGLIANs link? The British Regiments at the battle included the 58th #Rutland Regiment, one of our antecedents. But it also included sailors and @RoyalMarines from HMA Calliope and Castor. All 12 fallen are buried at the site.
@aliciakearns @RutlandLL @LP_Rutland
@aliciakearns @RutlandLL @LP_Rutland
It also remind us of our close links, in war but more in peace, with New Zealand.
The inscription on the monument are in English and Te Reo Māori.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
We will remember them
The inscription on the monument are in English and Te Reo Māori.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou
We will remember them
The @RANGLIANs were represented by a former member of the Regiment, and our Colonel of the Regiment wrote to the trustees of Te Ruapekapeka last month.
As ever, more information (and a great video) below.
As ever, more information (and a great video) below.
(Via @jogaibhatt)
