Pukehinahina/Gate Pā was a sophisticated fortification with trenches and bunkers built by Ngāi Te Rangi to withstanding artillery bombardment. On 29 April 1864 British troops led by General Cameron — who had arrived from Ōrākau — stormed the pā after what Vincent O'Malley suggests may have been the largest artillery barrage ever to take place in New Zealand. Expecting an easy success, British forces were surprised by hidden Māori and suffered massive casualties. The confrontation ended in a humiliating defeat for the British with over 100 casualties, far more than Māori, who then slipped out of the pā overnight.

Gate Pā is now a major Tauranga suburb, with Cameron Road cutting through the site.

Learn more

• NZHistory.govt.nz
• BattleofGatePa.com
• Wikipedia