Battle of Gate Pā
Gate Pā (Pukehinahina), Tauranga, New Zealand
What happened
Māori of Ngāi Te Rangi, led by Rāwiri Puhirake, fought British and colonial forces under General Duncan Cameron. During the New Zealand Wars, the colonial government sent troops to Tauranga, a source of food and supplies for Māori fighting in the Waikato. Ngāi Te Rangi built a pā (a fortified position) at Pukehinahina. After a long bombardment, British troops stormed it but were driven back in a heavy defeat.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of the worst British defeats of the New Zealand Wars. It is also remembered for the care shown to wounded enemy soldiers.
What came next
In June 1864 British forces defeated Ngāi Te Rangi at Te Ranga, where the Māori leader Rāwiri Puhirake fell. Ngāi Te Rangi then surrendered and gave up about 50,000 acres of land.
Did you know?
Heni Te Kiri Karamu, the only woman at Gate Pā, brought water to wounded British soldiers during the battle.
Timeline
- 21 January 1864The Tauranga campaign begins.
- 29 April 1864British troops are defeated at Gate Pā.
- 21 June 1864British forces win at Te Ranga.
- July-August 1864Ngāi Te Rangi surrender.