The Land Wars commemoration dedicated to children killed in war
“In that lake are over 120 of our tūpuna, women and children who were at the heart of the trenches here.”
In November hundreds of Māori warriors gathered to commemorate the battle of Rangiriri Pā - honouring the memory of those who lost their lives over a century ago and to acknowledge the ongoing wars all over the world, through karakia.
This episode of Ohinga follows the 160 commemoration of Rangiriri Pā and the special significance of this commemoration to the children who are killed in war.
During the battle at Rangiriri Pā, hundreds of women and children perished in the battle at the lake of Kōpuera. For 159 years access to the lake was prohibited due to its tapu. Only when the Māori king, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, visited the site last year was the prohibition of the lake lifted.
This year karakia from several denominations of Māori faith were given in honour of the many children who died at Kōpuera and the many children across the world who are suffering at the hands of war.
This is part of our reo Māori series, Ohinga, created by Mahi Tahi Media, with funding from Te Māngai Pāho. Stay tuned for a new episode every week.
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