Aquinas students and staff took part in the Battle of Te Ranga commemorations this week.

The June 21 commemorations at the battle site (corner of Pye Pa Road and Joyce Road) included poems, readings and a wreath-laying by Aquinas students followed by refreshments at the College.

Fought on June 21st, the shortest day of 1864, the battle of Te Ranga was the sequel to the battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā) eight weeks earlier. Each year, a commemoration is held at the historic site.

Senior Aquinas students have been assisting with tree planting at the reserve, part of efforts to redevelop the land and create a special place of remembrance and storytelling. Groups of senior students took part in the hillside planting project last Friday and Saturday.