Traffic travelling on State Highway 1, through Rangiriri next Wednesday (20 November) are advised to expect delays as the commemoration of 150 years since the Battle of Rangiriri will take place in the area, says the NZ Transport Agency.
Considerable traffic management will be in place between 5.00am and 5.00pm on SH1 at Rangiriri to allow pedestrians to move safely between the Rangiriri Pa Site and Rangiriri Village.
Motorists are advised to expect some delays, particularly in the morning from 9.00am to 10.00am and 11.15am to 12.00pm. Please plan sufficient time in your journey to allow for delays.
Alternative routes are available down along State Highway 2 says the Transport Agency.
Access to Rangiriri Village including the cafe and Heritage Centre will be from the southern end of Rangiriri Road off State Highway 1. This will be sign posted on the day.
Transport Agency Highways Manager Kaye Clark says this event is a significant day in New Zealand’s history, the Battle of Rangiriri was a pivotal moment in the historic land wars that shaped New Zealand 150 years ago.
“Rangiriri is one of New Zealand most significant historical sites and the place where the 1863 Battle of Rangiriri happened. It is a place of immense importance not only for Maoridom but for all New Zealanders.”
The Waikato Expressway, Rangiriri section is currently under construction in this area and work by contractors Fletcher Construction will be stopped for the day.
Mrs Clark says the Rangiriri project is both about building an improved section of highway, and an opportunity to recognise the area’s important history. The project will see the current SH1 be diverted to the west, away from the historic Rangiriri Pa Site and Battle Trench.
The commemoration on November 20 will include the unveiling of two Pou Whenua at the Rangiriri Pa site which will recognise the many iwi who stood in the trenches of Rangiriri when the British troops attacked.
