Daily Prayer - April 29, 2022

During the New Zealand wars (1845 – 1872) a British force of about 1700 troops attacked Gate Pa (Pukehinahina) near Tauranga on this day in 1864. 

There were about 250 Māori warriors there.

British heavy artillery bombarded the pa for 8 hours before moving in confident that there would not be many Māori left alive to resist.

However, the pa was cleverly constructed with concealed and well protected bunkers and a maze of trenches that limited the ability of the British to take advantage of their greater numbers. They were forced to withdraw.

 

Lord,

we give thanks for the Treaty of Waitangi which establishes and guides the relationship between the Crown (the New Zealand Government) and Māori.

Today’s event from a time of war is a reminder that clever strategy allied with steely determination can achieve success against over whelming force.

I can’t help thinking of Mariupol in Ukraine which has been bombarded constantly for 2 months yet resistance at the steel works there continues.  

We pray for an end to the war in Ukraine and hope that a peace treaty can be signed there soon.  

Amen

 

By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt

 

                         The Treaty of Waitangi document