Ka Aowhia Te Rangi : A Rich History Poorly Told

Rangiaowhia was the site of one of the most horrific war crimes ever perpetrated by the crown against Maori in New Zealand's history. Situated just 4 km East of Te Awamutu on a ridge between two streams in the Waikato, it was for many years a thriving village and home to Ngati Apakura and Ngati Hinetu. Rangiaowhia was a successful, well established, key, economic hub for the region and for New Zealand. Its export trade brought wealth for thousands of Maori and for colonial settlers.

Then at dawn on the 21st of February 1864, it all disappeared in an instant with the decision made by the British colonial troops to bypass Paterangi and invade Rangiaowhia. On that fateful day, that golden age turned to dust, those of the Tangata Whenua who were not murdered, were left bereft, landless, without hope. The only building that remains there today is the St Paul's Anglican church which is the second oldest in Waikato.