Exclusive for ECE, Primary, Intermediate & High School Only

Duration

2 Hours

Minimum Number of 25 students for any group Booking

About

The He Toi Tupu Education Tour is tailored to pre-school, primary, intermediate and secondary schools. This experience will take schools on a journey through one of New Zealand’s most significant Maaori earthwork fortifications of the 1860s.

The Rangiriri invasion by military forces is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles during the crown invasion of Waikato. This tour aligns with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories and Te Takanga o te Waa and provides opportunities for teachers to engage in alternative methods to deliver their Histories curriculum. Through this experience, teachers, leaders and aakonga will gain a better understanding of a historical event that has impacted and shaped our present-day lives of Waikato and the Kiingitanga.

Walk through the world’s first Maaori replica earthwork trenches built to scale. Journey into the 19th century and learn about the Maaori spirit of resilience that led to the survival of Waikato and their ally tribes. Be moved by the narratives told by descendants of the men, women, and children who committed the ultimate act of selflessness. We survived annihilation and live to tell the stories.

The Experience
He Toi Tupu Education Tour includes visiting historic sites of significance including Te Maataarae ki Rangiriri (old paa site & military redoubt), the remnants of the original Rangiriri Paa earthworks and the world’s first Maaori replica earthwork trenches built to its original scale. You will learn of the local narratives about the atrocities of the Waikato invasion and the stories behind the carved Pou (carved posts) and Tomokanga (carved entrances) carved by Kingitanga Master Carvers. Aakonga will learn and play the exhilarating trench warfare game Ika Ngohi (the first to be slain in battle).

Know Before You Go

• Dress for the weather as your tour is outdoors.
• Have a snack and stay hydrated prior to arrival.
• Restrictions regarding flash photography and video recordings.
• Be sunsmart, wear hats for sun protection and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable enclosed shoes. We advise against wearing jandals, sandals, slip-on and high heels.
• Merchandise is available for purchase, stocks are limited
• Some limitations for wheelchair accessibility in the trenches

Minimum Number of 25 students per Booking