Author(s): Mikaere, Buddy

NZ History

Victory at Gate Pā? examines, in exquisite detail, the historical background to the battle, the battle itself and the subsequent Battle of Te Ranga. The aftermath that saw 50,000 acres of prime land confiscated and a people driven into poverty and despair.
The 29 April 1864 Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā resulted in the astonishing defeat of a force of 1700 Imperial British soldiers, sailors and a few militia. They were supported by the largest artillery battery assembled at any time during the New Zealand Wars. Their defeat was at the hands of a group of Māori irregulars just over 200 strong.
The battle of Gate Pā was a defining moment in New Zealand history. It had repercussions for Māori landownership and the notion of sovereignty. Although Māori technically won the battle in a humiliating defeat of the British troops, long-term they were to see thousands of acres of their land confiscated.