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A group of people walking through a grassy area under large trees at the Pukehinahina battle site, with a wooden structure and a white picket fence in the background.
November 27, 2024

Learning from History: A Journey to Pukehinahina and Te Ranga

As part of the Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti Year One Social Practice paper at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute (BTI), students research historical events in their regions of residence that have impacted the well-being of Tangata Whenua. During their research, a Year One counselling student discovered a book called Victory at Gate Pa? by Tauranga historian Buddy Mikaere and invited him to speak to the class. This invitation was extended to BTI staff as well.

Visiting Tauranga Moana’s Historic Battle Sites

On Friday, 15 November, approximately 30 staff and students, including the Principal (Kaiarorangi) Dr James Arkwright and the Pou Tikanga, Teimana Bennett, gathered with Buddy Mikaere at the Pukehinahina and Te Ranga battle sites. The purpose of the visit was to learn about these two significant battles and their profound impact on the well-being of Tauranga Moana iwi. Participants expressed immense gratitude for Buddy’s time and the valuable insights he shared.

This event aligned with the current national discourse on the Treaty Principles Bill, sparking student confidence in discussing Treaty-related issues with their whānau and peers. It also highlighted the importance of understanding local historical events that relate to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Reflections and a Call to Action

Student feedback emphasised the authenticity of Teimana Bennett’s emotional reflections on the enduring impact of Pukehinahina and the subsequent land confiscations on his hapū. Staff, meanwhile, raised an important question:

How can BTI and individuals support the work Buddy Mikaere and others are doing to ensure this history is not lost? How can we engage the Tauranga Moana community and support efforts to build a museum that will preserve this knowledge for future generations?

Lessons in Compassion: Hēni Te Kiri Karamu’s Legacy

He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai: This whakataukī, meaning “If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive,”reflects the value of compassion and reciprocity. Its essence is powerfully demonstrated through the actions of Hēni Te Kiri Karamu during the Pukehinahina battle. Despite the danger to her own life and the lack of prior kindness from opposing soldiers, Hēni showed extraordinary humanity by providing water to the wounded.

Her selflessness aligns with the biblical teaching found in Romans 12:20a:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (Na, ki te matekai tou hoariri, whangainga; ki te matewai, whakainumia).

Hēni’s actions serve as a profound reminder of the power of compassion, even in the most challenging circumstances. They challenge us to reflect: How can we embody such values in our own lives and communities today?

Preserving History for the Future

The experience underscored the need for continued learning, engagement, and action to preserve local history. As we reflect on the significance of Pukehinahina and Te Ranga, let us consider how we can support initiatives to keep these stories alive, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire future generations.