 Battle at the Gate by Jenny Jenkins is a New Zealand children’s history story about the Battle of Gate Pa, the last battle of the NZ wars fought in Tauranga in 1864.
This sensitively told story teaches the character qualities of bravery, kindness and forgiveness, and promotes racial reconciliation. On April 29th, 1864 the Battle of Gate Pa (Pukehinahina) was fought between British troops and the Ngai te Rangi Iwi led by Rawiri Puhirake. Outnumbered by almost ten to one, the 200 Maori warriors routed the British soldiers upon their initial charge into the pa. They fired on them from hidden trenches at close range, then appeared suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, to fight. Most of the officers were killed or wounded during the approach and entry into the pa, and the leaderless men panicked and fled when warriors entering the pa from the rear were thought to be reinforcements from another tribe. Under cover of darkness the warriors prepared to leave. The sole woman in the pa, Heni Te Kirikaramu, also known as Heni Pore or Jane Foley, heard the cry of a wounded soldier calling for water. At the risk of her life she carried water to him and helped him to drink. He was a British officer called Colonel Booth from the 68th Durham Light Regiment. This story is poignantly told by Jenny Jenkins in her book, ‘Battle at the Gate’. Presented as a picture book with graphic illustrations by Bruce Potter, this story, although written for 7 to 12 year olds, captures the attention of all ages with its mix of action, tension and compassion. Want to buy this book? ‘Battle at the Gate’ retails at $19 from bookstores. (ISBN 9781869780579) It is available online from: Wheeler's Books for $17 plus pp. Fishpond for $16 plus pp. Mighty Ape $18 plus pp. Selected pages from the story are available for viewing. It has been reviewed by magazines Creative Beat and Booknotes. Jenny was delighted to have her book endorsed by Mr Alfred Foley, Heni’s grandson and blessed by Mr Kihi Ngatai, an elder of the Ngaiterangi Iwi of Tauranga. Please feel free to leave any comments, questions, or reviews on the book and Jenny will be able to get back to you. |