2014 Events - 150th Commemoration

A programme of free events for the general public was run with the focus being on the period 1 March – 30 April 2014 including:

• Schools programme - including poetry, essay, speech and art competitions

• Diorama Model at the Tauranga Airport

• Adult Poetry and Art Competitions

• Gate Pa Images Exhibition held at St George's Church

• Gate Pa Public Lecture Series with Military Historian Lt Col Cliff Simons and local Kaumatua Des Tata at St George's Church

• NZ String Quartet playing music of the time at Huria Marae, Judea

• Firing of the Guns at the Tauranga Domain (Armstrong cannons and Coehorn mortars)

• Rules of Engagement Exhibition held at the Greerton Hall

• NZ Army Band performing at The Strand, Edgewater Fan

• Tuesday 29 April (dignitaries include the Governor-General, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Maori King, King Tuheitia)

  • Dawn blessing of new pou and flagpole at Gate Pa Reserve

  • Full military service at the Mission Cemetery and morning tea at Trinity Wharf

  • Powhiri for Kingitanga and Nga Iwi o Te Motu at Gate Pa Reserve

  • Military march to the Reserve up Cameron Road

  • Massed wero and haka by iwi in response at Gate Pa Reserve

  • Ecumenical service and ceremony

  • Memorial service at the Gate Pa Memorial in London

The commemoration ended with a service and ceremony at the Te Ranga battle site on the outskirts of Tauranga on 21 June 2014.

To download the free official photos (low resolution) by Bob Tulloch of the Commemoration Dinner and the 29 April Commemoration Day click here.