Listen Now: 
A group of Otorohanga College students has delivered a petition to Parliament calling a national day to commemorate the New Zealand Wars of the 1800s.
Students Waimarama Anderson, Leah Bell and Rhiannon Magee gathered more than 10,000 signatures after being inspired by visits to pa sites around the Waikato and King Country.
They marched to parliament this morning accompanied by about 500 supporters from other kura around the country.
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare says it was a joyous but somber occasion as all those who fell during the Land Wars were remembered.
He says it's a great initiative by the rangatahi and he hopes the country as a whole will take their lead in recognising that part of its history.
The wars shapes New Zealand’s economic, social and political landscape, but many people feel their importance is still not acknowledged or understood.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
