New Battle Hill Historical Trail

The beautiful farmland and panoramic views of Battle Hill Farm Forest Park in Pauatahanui also hold a fascinating, tragic history, which was portrayed to the public at the launch of the Battle Hill Historical Trail last weekend.

Greater Wellington has installed signs in the park telling the story of how simmering tensions over land in Wellington and Marlborough boiled over into a bloody fight in 1846 between Government forces and around 300 Ngati Toa under chief Te Rangihaeata. The fighting took place on Battle Hill, where three Government troops and at least nine Ngati Toa were killed.

"A lot of people may not be aware of how Battle Hill got its name," says Cr Rex Kirton, Chair of Greater Wellington's Parks, Forest and Utilities Committee. "That should change now that we have these new signs, which shed light on a crucial chapter in the New Zealand Wars."

Over forty members of the public attended the launch of the trail, which was blessed by Matiu Rei (Ngati Toa), Executive Director of Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira, with other members of Ngati Toa in attendance.

There are six signs with text, maps and pictures. They start at the cemetery at the base of Battle Hill and go right up to Battle Hill's peak - the site of Te Rangihaeata's last stand.

Cr Kirton hopes the general public, especially school groups, will visit the trail. "It's a great resource - it brings the battle to life, vividly illustrating the tough, brutal conditions in which it was fought. The new trail will help to ensure that we all remember this key part of our history."