PRESS RELEASE
DATE: 31 March 2017
Tauranga commemorates 150 years since attack on Māori villages
Remembering the past and strengthening relationships across the community is the focus of an event being held in
Whakamārama, Tauranga on Saturday 8th April 2017. It is 150 years since Government forces attacked the Māori villages of
Whakamārama, Waiwhatawhata, Te Irihanga and Taumata, as part of their ‘Tauranga Bush Campaign’.
In 2017, descendants of the Ngāti Ranginui villagers have held a number of events to commemorate the attacks on their
homes, and this season of remembrance will culminate in a community event hosted by the hapū of Pirirākau on April 8th.
In 1867, the Tauranga Bush Campaign’s purpose was to drive out ‘rebellious Māori’ who continued to resist the surveying
and confiscation of their lands. It’s approach was to send troops to attack villagers, burn their houses and extensive
cultivations, as part of a ‘scorched earth’ policy. The campaign has been renamed ‘Te Weranga’ (the burning) by Tauranga
Māori, in recognition of the devastation to home and livelihood suffered by their ancestors.
Representatives of the Māori King, Tuheitia, will attend the event, alongside delegations from Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Porou
ki Hauraki and other tribal allies who supported Pirirākau during the conflict with the Government in the 1860s. A
commemorative pou will be unveiled at Puketoki Reserve, Whakamārama, to acknowledge the pivotal role of Wiremu Tāmihana
in seeking peace during the Te Weranga conflict. His grandson, Anaru Tamihana will be present. Karakia (prayers) of the
Pai Mārire faith will be held at the site, and then guests will be welcomed onto Tāwhitinui Marae, Whakamārama, where
the story of Te Weranga will be told and speeches given.
The local Whakamārama Community Inc. have actively supported the organisation of the event. Te Ururoa Flavell, Māori
Party leader and MP for Waiariki, Western Bay of Plenty District Councillors and Tauranga City Councillors will also be
present. They have supported the erection of the commemorative pou near a public reserve, to encourage greater community
awareness of this difficult period in Tauranga’s history.
ENDS