Ōrākau: 160 Year Commemoration

How does history impact or inform your professional practice?

Looking at the surface - what do we see? These pictures below probably look just like some farmland somewhere, a pasture for cows or sheep to graze on, but actually there is a whole lot of history here that many don't even know about.

This place is Ōrākau which is just down the road from Kihikihi, that only 160 years ago was invaded by the British Crown.

This battle was the last stand of Tainui people in the NZ wars which was a brutal invasion and an attempt to eradicate the Kīngitanga movement and confiscate land. This documentary tells the story of what occurred 160 years ago and how its impacts are still being felt today.

Why is it important for us to know and understand our history? How does it impact our professional practice? What can we do to engage and continue to educate ourselves on our history?

As a mission, we are committed to creating as many opportunities as possible for us as kaimahi and our tangata whaiora to engage and educate on kaupapa that impact and effect us.

Tuesday the 2nd of April is the 160th Commemoration of the battle at Ōrākau out at the site. This is open to anyone who is free and wants to attend. A group from the mission will be attending so get in touch with Kristina if you are keen to join the ope from Mahi Mihinare.

There are many other opportunities through out the year to place yourself in spaces of education and exposure to experiences that you may not have been before. On this journey of self discovery, remember that we are all here to support one another, even when at times things can be uncomfortable or confronting. We are all paddling this waka together.

Kia kaha e te whānau. ✊