This coming Labour Day, Monday October 28th is also the National Day of Commemoration for the New Zealand Wars - Rā Maumahara.
It is estimated that around 3000 people were killed or injured during these conflicts as Māori and Pākehā clashed over the meaning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and concepts of land ownership, guardianship, sovereignty and independence.
Historian Vincent O'Malley says Monday is an opportunity for New Zealanders to not only reflect on this chapter of our history but to visit sites of military significance.