December 19, 2017
Rangiriri battle site road free
After half a century of daily insult, the site of the Battle of Rangiriri is now getting some respect.
Crown/Maori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis this weekend formally opened the 4.8km section of the Waikato Expressway running alongside the Rangiriri Pa as well as the restored pa site, including large carved pou telling the story of the area and marking the battle trench down to the Waikato River.
He says the Rangiriri project was not just roading infrastructure but also a symbol of the Crown’s dedication to partnering with tangata whenua and righting past wrongs.
The pa site was significantly damaged by a 1965 upgrade to State Highway 1, and the road now runs close to the river.
Waikato-Tainui spokesperson Rukumoana Schaafhausen says the iwi has worked closely with the Transport Agency to preserve the cultural and historical significance of Rangiriri site.
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