Te putake o te riri

NZ wars Heritage Centre

Why are you building this?

To educate people about Aotearoa’s battle history from both perspectives, Māori and Pakeha. Highlighting the connections to Gate Pā/Pukehinahina and how this shapes our community identity now. 

Stage one - a marae style building for welcoming and engagement. It will primarily be a meeting and exhibition space with toilets and a small kitchen. This is to meet the demand of small groups who already come for tours and to show proof of use for stage two and three of the larger concept.

Our long term plan for Te Pūtake O Te Riri (official name tbc), to feature exhibitions designed to explore the stories of the New Zealand Wars. Beginning with the Northern War in 1840 through to the 1870’s. There will be a focus on the 1864 battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga. 

Stages two and three include a functions area, cafe, workshop space, retail outlet, research department and storage over three levels (as per images). We plan to construct a multi-purpose centre with a commercial focus for local, national and international visitors.

Where are you building it?

Gate Pā/Pukehinahina has been chosen as it’s the only urban battle site in New Zealand - right next to a major shopping centre. All other sites are located in the countryside outside of towns or cities. This makes it easy for people to access and identify with. 

Also, Gate Pā captures people’s attention to find out more about the 1860’s NZ Wars for two reasons. Firstly because of the defeat of around 1,689 professional British solders by 230 Māori warriors, and secondly, because of the honourable code of conduct presented by Māori that preceded the Geneva Convention.

Why are you building it?

Vision - to share our stories of conflict, compassion and connection in our place.

The site provides the perfect place to establish a commemorative site and an education programme dealing with one of the most important events in our country’s history.

The Pukehinahina Charitable Trust has already secured the land, resource consent and some key partners.

Who will you target?

• Local Tauranga community including Iwi

• Students (Primary - Tertiary)

• Visitors to the region (national and international)

• Historical / Military / Religious communities

When will you build it?

Planning / Funding / Building phases (approx. one year per phase)

Aim for opening of stage one in 2029 for the 165th Commemoration.

Who are your current partners?

Local Iwi and Hapu - Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāti Ranginui

Tauranga City Council, Western BOP District Council

Government

Sponsors - Holland Beckett, KPMG

Patron - Robin Hicks

University of Waikato

St George’s Church Gate Pa & Anglican Church 

National Iwi

NZ Military

How can I find out more?

Information Evening

Please join us at the Battle of Gate Pā/Pukehinahina Commemoration:

When: Wednesday 29 April 2026, 4pm - 6pm

Where: St George’s Church - 1 Church Street, Gate Pā, Tauranga

RSVP: Monique Edlinger at admin@pukehinahinatrust.co.nz by Friday 24 April

For further information contact Buddy Mikaere at buddy@buddymikaere.com

Board Members - Bruce Farthing, Cliff Simons, Jens Mueller, Josh Te Kani, Mary Dillon, Mel Tata, Sarah Webb (Chair)