30/04/2026
I never thought I’d be the keynote speaker at this event! After attending the Battle of Pukehinahina/Gate Pā Commemoration every year for the last 12 years - it was time to step up.
In October, I took over as Board Chair of the Pukehinahina Charitable Trust. I was nominated to present our plans to build a NZ Wars Heritage Centre currently called ‘Te Pūtake o Te Riri’ on the battle site.
We think it’s important for everyone to know our local history and to honour those who gave their lives for us - Māori and Pākehā. Our values of kotahitanga/unity, whanaungatanga/relationships and kaitiakitanga/guardianship are what drives our kaupapa.
Thank-you to everyone that’s supported me and this project. It was heart warming to hear people’s feedback last night. Many talked about their own ‘why’ for supporting the commemorations. If you’d like to find out more - please go to www.battleofgatepa.com
https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/380223-gate-p---parish-to-remember-battle-on-its-site.html
