During the recent Te Ranga commemorations Ngai Tamarawaho kaumatua Des Tata spoke about the battle. He said that some 'modern” historians claimed that women and children were killed at the battle. Perhaps he could name these historians and provide what evidence they have to substantiate this claim? James Cowan, who wrote the definitive history of the New Zealand Wars, gives no credence to such a claim. Cowan spoke fluent Maori and tramped miles to visit battle sites. He also interviewed both Maori and Pakeha combatants who were present at the battles. No other historian can match his credentials.

Tata also claims that the Maori warriors walked unarmed towards the British line to meet their death. I can find no historian, ancient or modern, that supports this fanciful idea. Is this rewriting of history to portray Maori as heroic victims simply an attempt to improve Maori's ideological and financial position?

I support the teaching of NZ history in schools, but it has to be a history based on fact not on fancy.

R Prince, Welcome Bay.