May 01, 2023
Pukehinahina memorial rings bell on history
Sixty bells tolled yesterday at Georges Church in Tauranga to acknowledge those who lost their lives in the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pa 159 years ago.
Ngai Tamarawaho historian Buddy Mikaere says interest in the annual service of reconciliation has been growing.
He says about two-thirds of those attending were Pakeha, reflecting a growing interest in local history.
“Over the past couple of years we had so many business firms relocate to Tauranga and I would do at least half a dozen company tours where we get all the staff together and we do the whole history of what led up to the battle, the battle itself, and what happened afterwards,” Mr Mikaere says.
He says the new Aotearoa New Zealand history curriculum will increase awareness of what went on at places like Pukehinahina.