NZ Wars Collection

Inside the story of Waerenga-a-Hika - a forgotten war, generations of trauma, and a history finally being told.
The six-day battle changed Gisborne forever, but many New Zealanders are only now learning its story - and the cost of forgetting
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In 1865, government forces planned an expedition against the Pai Mārire community at Waerenga-a-Hika pā, near Gisborne. The pā had become a refuge for several hundred people who made up over half the Tūranga Māori population, fleeing the East Coast Wars. Government agent Donald McLean assembled a mixed force of Ngāti Porou volunteers and European troops, including Military Settlers and the East Cape expeditionary force. McLean issued an ultimatum and when his demands weren’t met, the forces launched an attack, surrounding the pā and beginning a six-day siege.
You can watch the video documentary series at rnz.co.nz/video
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The sixth chapter explores the siege and its devastating consequences for the people of Te Tai Rawhiti, illuminating a significant event in Aotearoa's history.
Watch the video documentary version of this series here: rnz.co.nz/video
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

On the eve the battle, British troops have ringfenced Gate Pa. Māori are out-numbered 7:1. Can they survive the biggest artillery bombardment ever on New Zealand soil and face down the might of empire? It's a clash between the world's most powerful artillery and revolutionary pa design, and one that spills over into more violence at Te Ranga. Host Justine Murray continues her journey into her whānau's past and the competing truths of Aotearoa's history.
This episode was first released on 29 April 2024.
Watch the video documentary here
On the eve the battle, British troops have ringfenced Gate Pa. Māori are out-numbered 7:1.
Can they survive the biggest artillery bombardment ever on New Zealand soil and face down the might of empire? It's a clash between the world's most powerful artillery and revolutionary pa design. Plus, what happens next at the oft-forgotten Battle of Te Ranga?
Host Justine Murray continues her journey into her whānau's past and the competing truths of Aotearoa's history.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Paraone Koikoi was at the Battle of Gate Pa in 1864, when Tauranga Moana iwi bested the British army in one of the most humiliating defeats in its history. Now, 160 years later, his great-great-great grand-daughter combines her personal story with rigorous history to tell the story of a blockade, bombardment and a famous battle. In episode one, 600 British troops land in Tauranga, Māori return from Waikato to defend their land, radical new pa are built, and a code of conduct for war in drafted.
This episode was first released on 29 April 2024.
Watch the video documentary here.
Paraone Koikoi was at the Battle of Gate Pa in 1864, when Tauranga Moana iwi bested the British army in one of the most humiliating defeats in its history.
Now, 160 years later, his great-great-great grand-daughter combines her personal story with rigorous history to tell the story of a blockade, bombardment and a famous battle.
In episode one, 600 British troops land in Tauranga, Māori return from Waikato to defend their land, radical new pa are built, and a code of conduct for war in drafted.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details