Memorialising the New Zealand Wars in Auckland
Introduction
After the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (1840) and following the arrival of British and other European settlers, conflicts began over land and sovereignty. This conflict led to a series of battle campaigns involving different iwi, local militia, British and colonial troops, and some Māori who allied with the British.
The first incident over land occurred in Wairau in 1843 and the first major war was the Northern War which started in 1845 in the Bay of Islands. The last major campaign ended in 1872, but some argue that the last important conflict was the invasion of Parihaka on November 5, 1881. This period between 1843 and 1881 is referred to as the New Zealand Wars, or Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa.
Learning Aims
Students will learn:
- about the significance of memorials in highlighting the role of the New Zealand Wars and their remembrance in the creation of a national and regional identity
- how attempts to control the narrative of the New Zealand Wars through memorials reveal use and abuse of power
- how communities have continually challenged the narratives in different ways
- that the memorials demonstrate that Māori history is foundational and continuous in their involvement of commemorating and contesting forms of memorisation
Activity Resources
Activity One:
‘Prior Knowledge’
Activity Four:
‘Interpreting Sources’
4.1. Source A – Newspaper Report
4.2. Three Level Guide – Newspaper Report
4.3. Source B – Photograph and Inscriptions on the Nixon memorial
Activity Seven:
‘Comparing the Memorials’
Activity Ten:
‘Early Criticism’
Activity Five:
‘Interpreting a Letter to the Editor’
Activity Eight:
‘Source Interpretation’
Activity Eleven:
‘Examining Perspectives’
11.1. Summary of the incident at Rangiaowhia
Activity Three:
‘Nixon Memorial Ōtāhuhu Creating Questions’
Activity Six:
‘Writing about the past’
Activity Twelve:
‘Evaluating the future of the Symonds Street Memorial’
12.1. Nixon monument brings descendents together – OurAuckland