A significant moment in the history of Tauranga is being marked today.

The historic St George’s Anglican Church in Gate Pā will host a solemn service commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gate Pā, also known as Te Pakanga o Pukehinahina.

The Anglican Parish of Gate Pā is inviting the public to a short service at St. George's Anglican Church on April 29 to commemorate the Battle of Gate Pā, also known as Te Pakanga o Pukehinahina.

The gathering is to honour all those who fought and died in this tragic event and the consequences of the battle for ngā iwi o Tauranga Moana.

The service will start at 4pm, as that's the time of day back on April 29, 1864, when the British forces began their march up Pukehinahina.

A plaque laid in honour the unnamed Māori who were killed at the Battle of Gate Pā and buried there. Photo: SunLive.

“We will hear an account of the battle and then have a time of silent reflection with images playing,” says Anglican Parish of Gate Pā vicar Rev. John Hebenton.

“At 4.30pm the bell will be rung 60 times to remember the about 60 men who lost their lives in the battle. We will finish with prayers/karakia for the future of our city.”

The battles at Pukehinahina - Gate Pā and Te Ranga were part of the New Zealand wars, a series of armed conflicts that took place in New Zealand from 1845 to 1872 between Māori and new European settlers, also known as Pākehā.

A previous commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pā held at St. George’s Anglican Church. Photo: SunLive.

"There were many reasons for these conflicts - Land was the main one. Māori owned it and the settlers wanted it," says a post on the Today in History NZ Facebook page.

"Settlers also brought with them new laws and politics that largely excluded Māori.

"The signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi should have meant that Māori iwi had undisturbed possession of their lands and taonga. Before the signing of the treaty, deals involving land sales were questionable, and the treaty stated that all Māori land should only be sold to the government.

"But the treaty was increasingly ignored by the settlers, which resulted in anger and violence."

A close-up of one of St. George’s Anglican Church stained glass windows depicting a scene from the Battle of Gate Pā where a Māori fighter gave water to dying British soldiers on the battlefield. Photo: SunLive.

The Battle of Gate Pā is one of many battles that took place during the NZ wars, which started in Wairau at the top of the South Island, with major battles in Taranaki and the Waikato before the battles in Tauranga.

General Duncan Cameron led the British troops with over 1600 men into battle. Cameron Road was named after him.

The Battle of Gate Pā has captured people's imagination for two reasons – firstly because of the defeat of an elite force of professional British soldiers by Māori, and secondly, because of the honourable conduct of Māorii towards the dead and wounded soldiers.

St George's Anglican Church was built on the battle site about 118 years ago as a memorial to those involved and the descendants of those on the British side of the campaign.

The story of both the battles and the aftermath are usually told at the church during the months leading up to April 29, with integrity, and to offer ways the people can hear about, engage with and reflect upon these stories and what they mean for us living in Tauranga Moana.

Rev John Hebenton. Photo: SunLive.

In 2014 huge gatherings commemorated the 150th anniversary of the battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga with some very significant events held on the actual days of the battles.

Today, on the 160th anniversary, a rededication ceremony was held at 6.15am with the unveiling and blessing of the recently refurbished Gate Pā pou.

At 12pm, a ceremony was held at the Otamataha/Mission Cemetery in Marsh Street. Markers were placed on the graves of those members of the 68th Durham Light Infantry who fell at Gate Pāand the ensuing battle at Te Ranga.

The service at 4pm today at St George’s Anglican Church will be followed by refreshments in the church lounge.

Remembering Te Pakanga o Pukehinahina – The Battle of Gate Pā – 160th Commemoration - will be held at St George's Church, 1 Church Street, Tauranga at 4pm on Monday, April 29.