In History class we have spent the last term learning about the Takapuneke Massacre. As part of our class learning we went on a trip to Akaroa to visit the historical sites that have been built in remembrance. Our first stop was the Ōnawe Pā walk, this peninsula is sacred land to Ngāi Tahu. Once we had reached the top we talked about some of the significance of the land we were standing on. Something I had not realised from the photos of this land we had seen in class was how steep this peninsula is and how much of a walk it was to get to the top. I can imagine this was quite the hike to be doing on a regular basis.

After this we drove to the Akaroa Area School to have some shared Kai and to meet Akaroa's History teacher Gary. Gary joined us for the next part of the trip which was in Red House Bay. We went to the shoreline of what was once the largest settlement in the area to recap all we had learnt that had happened around this area and Gary pointed out some significant areas we could see from the beach. After talking about the history of the land we ended up walking along the shore, searching for sea glass, crabs and pretty stones.

From this beach, we walked to see the Britomart Monument, which has been standing since 1898. While Mrs Lee talked about the historical significance of the Britomart, we took a break to chill out in the shade because we were lucky enough to have such sunny weather for our day out.

The Britomart commemorates the British flag being raised for the first time on Green’s Point.

We then continued up the hill to see Pou tū te Raki o Te Maiharanui or the Takapuneke Pou which is an impressive monument designed by Fayne Robinson to tell the story of the 200 year journey of the land from being confiscated by the British to it now finally being recognised as wāhi tapu. Takapuneke is a place of cultural significance and it has been a long process of trying to get that recognised.

After all of this exploring we got fish and chips and thick shakes, we sat down to eat at some park benches alongside the beach.

Yet again, we ended up looking for sea glass, crabs and pretty stones, this of course resulted in some very serious injuries from the crabs: 

Then it was time to go home, this being our last history class trip we were slightly hesitant to leave, Mrs Lee tried to drop us off at the school but we decided it was best we accompany her to go get some petrol. 

Overall this was a very enjoyable and educational trip and on the behalf of my history class, thank you Mrs Lee and Mrs Wilson, our Dean, for making this trip possible and for driving us to and from Akaroa. 

-Ella Boyes, Year 13 History Class.