On the 15th day of September in the Year of Our Lord 2022 two school vans worth of Year 13 History students departed from St Paul’s College to discover more about the Invasion of the Waikato. They left in good spirits confident in their ability to entertain themselves in even the driest museum or longest historical story to be inflicted upon them. 

Their first stop was at the Queen’s Redoubt in Pokeno where they were treated to a passionate discussion about what we were assured was a site of huge archeological significance. The boys, to their credit, caught his excitement at the sight of the impressive barricade. It is difficult to assess whether the boys were more enthusiastic.

From Pokeno, our intrepid team ventured south to Rangiriri following the route of the invading Colonial Army in 1863. We stopped briefly at the cemetery to examine some graves left behind by the soldiers before making our way to the top of the earthworks that delayed the invasion. It was a majestic view and for those students with a bit of an imagination, a historical experience. 

From Pokeno to Ngarawahia and the seat of the Kingitanga where the highlight was probably the fish and chips at the junction of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. Alas time was pressing so there was no chance to visit the Turangawaewae marae as we were off to see the vanished village of Rangiawhio.

And finally the site of Rewi Maniapoto’s last stand at Orakau. All in all a very satisfying day of history and hopefully a learning experience for our young men.