Historic battle commemoration backed by community board funding

The Far North’s three community boards wrapped up the year in mid-December, approving funding for a wide range of events and initiatives aimed at strengthening community connection and wellbeing across the district.

Among the most significant decisions was a $15,000 grant from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board to Nga Tangariki o Ngāti Hine Trust to support the 180-year commemoration of the end of the Battle of Te Ruapekapeka. The last clash in a series of conflicts collectively known as The Northern War (1845-46).

The three-day commemoration, running from 9 to 11 January, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Te Tai Tokerau from across Aotearoa and overseas. The event will include pōwhiri and wānanga at Kawiti Marae, Waiomio, sharing key narratives of Te Ruapekapeka and the Northern War. The third day will focus on Te Ruapekapeka Pā, featuring the blessing and unveiling of a Pouihi located at the intersection of Ruapekapeka Road and State Highway One, followed by unveiling of Tūpuna Pou located in the area immediately below the pā. More information and full event schedule can be found here.

The Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board also approved $3000 in funding to He Rua Poka Rokiroki Manatopu for support towards Te Kaupare Family Day, planned for 21 February in Tāheke. This whānau-focussed event aims to promote rehabilitation and raising awareness of the risks associated with drugs and alcohol use within the community.

Meanwhile, the annual Kaitāia A&P Show was also granted $2001 by Te Hiku Community Board. The show promotes farming and agriculture in the Far North and creates opportunities for local stallholders to showcase and sell locally produced goods.

For the full rundown of Far North community board decisions from December please visit our website.