BACKLand or Sovereignty? Exploring historical perspectives through the lens of the New Zealand Wars – Waikato and the Bay of Islands History trips 2026
A highlight of the History calendar at Rangitoto College is the annual trips designed to allow Year 12 and 13 students an opportunity to explore the significance and different perspectives of important conflicts in the New Zealand Wars.
In early May, a group of 50 Year 13 History students embarked on their journey through the Waikato War which was a conflict that marked a turning point in New Zealand history between 1863–64 when British forces travelled down the Great South Road and crossed into Kīngitanga territory. The tour started with a visit to Old Government House and the remnants of the Auckland Barracks’ wall in the grounds of Auckland University. After brief stops at the site of the Auckland home of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero (the first king of the Kīngitanga movement) in the Domain and Bastion Point, we travelled south to the Maungatawhiri stream where British forces first crossed into Waikato territory. We were stunned to see that the site is unmarked and covered with discarded roadside rubbish. After clearing the area of as much rubbish as we could, we continued south to Rangiriri Pā and heard the history of the battle there from members of the iwi themselves. This was a powerful and moving experience, with many students struck by how often they had travelled on the motorway without knowledge of the significant site so close by. The following day, we continued our learning at Te Awamutu Museum where students were able to read primary sources and hold artefacts such as an ammunition horn, a grenade and a musket. The facilitator then led us through the significant battles at Rangiaowhia, once the site of a thriving Māori community and agricultural centre, and Ōrākau, where a monument in honour of Rewi Maniapoto who helped his people escape the attack remains today. Blessed with beautiful weather, the students collected invaluable evidence and understanding for their NCEA internal on the significance and perspectives of the war.
The following week, 70 Year 12 students continued a tradition begun by current History teacher Mr. Stephen Roe in 1990. The group departed in the early morning for the Bay of Islands. In glorious Autumn sunshine, we first visited the Stone Store at Kerikeri and walked to the site of Hone Hika’s pā which is the location of the first Anglican mission station. After travelling by ferry to Kororāreka (Russell), we then explored major sites of significance in the Battle of Kororāreka in 1845. This was a conflict that marked the outbreak of the Northern War. Students visited Christ Church and its graveyard, Pompallier House, and the informative Russell Museum. Our day ended with a strenuous climb up Flagstaff Hill to view a glorious panorama of the region and the place where Rangatira Hone Heke first protested against British post-Treaty actions by cutting down a flagpole carrying the Union Jack. The following day, we explored the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, where facilitators guided us in our learning about the significance and meaning of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi both at the time and since. A particular focus was to learn about how the Treaty/Te Tiriti is remembered, the two different versions, differing perspectives, and changing attitudes towards the Treaty over time. We were especially grateful to experience the newly opened museum there and record evidence for the 2.1 internal inquiry. Our final visit was to Ruapekapeka pā which is the site of the final battle of the Northern War.
A huge thank you to all the staff who came along and who made these experiences possible for our students.
