By Lithograph by William Potts (1859-1947), from a painting by Kennett Watkins (1847-1933) (Image: [1]; details: [2]) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
A national day of commemoration for the New Zealand Land Wars was first discussed in 2010. Those present identified a need to acknowledge the wars and conflicts between Maori and Pakeha during the early colonial period. Further talks took place until in 2016 when a date was set: October 28.
The first commemorations will be held this year in Te Tai Tokerau. The commemorations will then be held in a different region each year.
Although there were other groups involved in the creation of a commemoration day, a petition by a group of Otorohanga students who gained 13,000 signatures added to its impetus. Read their inspiring story by Leah Bell (one of the students and a descendant of Elizabeth Colenso)
Leah Bell: How a campaign by school pupils led to a national day marking the NZ Wars
Take some time to browse the display opposite the library entrance as you pass by that way.
You may also like to listen to a podcast that features historians and an iwi representative discussing the Wars, their significance and the importance of remembering.
You may also like to listen to a podcast that features historians and an iwi representative discussing the Wars, their significance and the importance of remembering.
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