Uenuku and the Battle of Hingakaka

Two hundred years ago 10 000 warriors from the lower North Island invaded the Waipa District on a mission of revenge. Led by Pikauterangi, a Ngati Toa chief, this invading army's purpose was to restore honour by wiping Maniapoto and their supporting Waikato tribes off the face of the earth. The Waikato defenders, totalling 1600, chose their battle ground on a ridge line just south of Lake Ngaroto. The ensuing battle was legendary, with the sacred carving Uenuku being lost in the carnage.  Now Uenuku is one of Te Awamutu Museum's most treasured taonga. This programme will enthrall students with Uenuku's disputed past that will lead them through the epic battle of Hingakaka, and a greater understanding of this region's past.

The museum-based activites are custom designed with the classroom teacher and are usually based around their learning intentions. An effort is made to ensure all main points are taught through something to see, hear and do.

Depending on your learning intentions programmes may include:

• The toanga Uenuku
• Site tours of the Hingakaka battle ground
• Hands-on experience with taiaha, putu, waka ika and other traditional weapons
• Historic film and modern video footage of taiaha 
• Digital presenations of the Battle of Hingakaka
• Model Pa
• Stories from the1980's Te Maori Exhibition
• Student and teacher resources

Uenuku and the Battle of Hingakaka education programme is part of an education package that can be provided to classroom teachers for students to achieve:

• Unit Standard AS90209 - Learn to do a historical investigation
• Achievement Standard AS90210 - Communicate historical ideas

Resources & links

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