Story: New Zealand Wars

Gate Pā battle

Gate Pā battle

Horatio Robley, a lieutenant in the 68th Regiment, made this watercolour showing the attack on Gate Pā on 29 April 1864 by imperial forces. The painting shows his men advancing on the trenches held by men of Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Ranginui. After the initial exchange of shots there was considerable use of bayonets and mere. Several attacks failed, with heavy British casualties. The defenders later abandoned the under cover of darkness.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-019993-G
Watercolour by Horatio Gordon Robley

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Danny Keenan, 'New Zealand Wars - Gate Pā, Tauranga', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/36926/gate-pa-battle (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Danny Keenan, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 29 Nov 2022