Remembering a bloody battle in Pauatahanui

The peaceful environment of Battle Hill Farm Forest Park in Pauatahanui holds a violent episode in the region’s history, which will be explored in the Battle Hill History Walk on 15 March 2011.

Battle Hill got its name from a fierce and bloody battle in 1846 between Government forces and 300 Ngāti Toa Rangatira under Chief Te Rangihaeata. The fighting – a result of simmering tensions over land in Wellington and Marlborough – took place on Battle Hill, where three Government troops and at least nine Ngāti Toa Rangatira were killed.

Led by Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Greater Wellington rangers, the Battle Hill History Walk will begin with a talk in the park’s woolshed, followed by a walk up the Battle Hill history trail, which begins at the cemetery at the base of Battle Hill and ends at the hill’s peak – the site of Te Rangihaeata’s last stand.

“Ngāti Toa Rangatira is looking forward to sharing our history of Battle Hill as we follow the footsteps of our Chief, Te Rangihaeata,” says Evan Hippolite of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

The Battle Hill History Walk is part of Greater Wellington’s Greater Outdoors summer events programme. It’s a free event and there will be spot prizes. This event is suitable for those with a good level of fitness.

Battle Hill History Walk
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Pauatahanui
Tuesday 6pm-8.30pm
Booking essential: secure your place by calling 04 830 4041 or visiting www.gw.govt.nz/events

ends

© Scoop Media