Chapter 31
Hana walked around Rangiriri Pa, absorbing the sacredness and abiding silence, despite its proximity to State Highway 1. The huge mound in the centre of the paddock was once part of the deep, five metre trenches, the Māori used to defend their redoubt from the English. It was an ingenious use of early trench warfare and confounded their enemy. Logan stood next to her, reading the decorative boards describing the war for visitors. “The Māori were war generals, far ahead of their time,” he mused. “The battle for Rangiriri was one of the most significant of the New Zealand Wars and led to heavy losses for the British soldiers.” Logan wrinkled his nose. “Unless you listen to their version, which is very different.”
“Yeah, I can believe that,” Hana said, smiling sideways at her hus
