Description

The Ōrākau Battle Site Memorial commemorates one of the most renowned battles of the New Zealand Wars in March-April 1864. This obelisk honours the Māori defenders, led by Rewi Maniapoto, who famously declared “Ka whawhai tonu mātou, āke, āke!” (“We shall fight on forever!”) while resisting overwhelming British forces.

The memorial was probably erected in late 1911 or 1912 and unveiled on 1 April 1914. The memorial marks the site where over 300 Māori, including women and children, made their last stand, enduring heavy casualties before many escaped or were captured. Though no physical traces of the pā remain, the site remains a symbol of courage and resilience.