Moutoa battle memorial, 1860s (3rd of 3)

Moutoa battle memorial, 1860s (3rd of 3)

Wanganui settlers put up this statue to commemorate the 1864 battle of Moutoa Island, where local Māori defended Wanganui town against upriver Māori. It was erected near the river, at Pākaitore, a sandy beach where Māori canoes traditionally moored for trade and exchange – later known as Moutoa Gardens. It was the first war memorial in the country.