Ngāti Whātua commemorates 200th anniversary of battle

Over 1,000 members of Ngāti Whātua Nui Tonu gathered last week to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of Te Ika a Ranganui. The event took place in Kaiwaka and was a time to remember their ancestors. The gathering aimed to heal old wounds and promote collaboration among tribes in the Te Tai Tokerau region. Leaders from Ngāti Whātua talked about the importance of moving forward and discussed plans for infrastructure projects to improve economic opportunities for their community. Many different sub-groups, known as hapū, participated in the ceremony. These groups included the hosts Te Uri o Hau, as well as Ngāti Mauku, Te Taoū, and Ngāti Rango. Allies such as Ngāti Manuhiri and Te Roroa also took part in the event. Attendees expressed a mix of emotions during the ceremony. Some felt sorrow for the loss of over 300 ancestors who died in the battle. Others felt great pride in their heritage and the progress their people continue to make today.