Hamilton City Council, alongside iwi and community partners, is hosting a week-long programme of events to mark He Raa Maumahara — the National Day of Remembrance for the New Zealand Wars from 25 October to 1 November 2025.
“This kaupapa is close to our hearts,” said Janet Carson, General Manager Partnerships, Communication and Maaori.
“It’s about acknowledging the deep historical ties between Kirikiriroa and tangata whenua and recognising the enduring impact of the Waikato Land Wars.
“We hope this week helps grow understanding and connection across our city.”
He Raa Maumahara commemorates the land conflicts across Aotearoa, including the 1863 invasion of Waikato, a campaign that led to the confiscation of more than 1.2 million acres of tribal land. The effects of that loss are still felt today, shaping the social, cultural, and economic landscape of everyone who lives here.
“This is the first time Hamilton City Council has formally recognised He Raa Maumahara with a dedicated week of events,” Carson said.
“It’s a chance for Kirikiriroa to come together through our culture, history and koorero, to honour tangata whenua and to reflect on our shared journey toward healing and partnership.”
Highlights of the week include:
- A keynote lecture by historian Vincent O’Malley on the New Zealand Wars at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery.
- Guided hiikoi tracing cultural landmarks from Novotel Tainui Hotel to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery.
- Workshops and storytelling sessions at Hamilton Central Library.
- Lunchtime cultural performances and displays in Garden Place.
Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward Councillor, Maria Huata said in order to move forward together as a city, as a nation and as a people it is important to know where we have come from.
“He Raa Maumahara provides a positive opportunity for our community to learn, share and engage in difficult yet empowering conversations.
“It offers a safe space to broaden our knowledge of our nation’s history and move closer to place of compassion and understanding.
“I am reminded of the famous saying from our first Maaori King Pootatau Te Wherowhero ‘kotahi te kohao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro maa, te miro whero me te miro pango. Kia mau ki te aroha, ki te ture me te whakapono’.There is but one eye of the needle through which the white, the red and black threads pass through. Hold on to love, to lore and what is true.
“Kingi Pootatau Te Wherowhero encourages us to act with compassion and integrity and unity. He Raa Maumahara is all of these things.”
Council welcomes everyone to participate and learn more about the city’s shared history.
For full event details, visit Hamilton City Council’s Facebook page