November 20, 2013
Crown koha sought for invasion commemoration
One of the organisers of a reenactment of the Battle of Rangiriri wants to see more Government support for commemorations of the New Zealand Wars.
About 200 men, women and children performed a specially-written haka to welcome representatives from the New Zealand Army to the battle site beside the Waikato River yesterday.
Moko Tauariki from Ngati Naho says compared with the money being lavished on World War One commemorations, the organisers had to make do with crumbs.
He was also disappointed with the failure by the Crown to send high level representatives to the event, which involved a small group from the army and the police.
It’s not putting him off preparing for other anniversaries, because they are a chance to bring histoty alive for the next generation.
"You know we’re now going to prepare and support Orakau so that's the next 150 year commemoration. Then after Orakau we then move to Pukehinahina Gate Pa over in Tauranga. The haka peruperu that you saw today thats was for here the one we'll do over in Orakau and Pukehinahina well that will be totally different " says Moko Tauariki
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd