Protecting a pivotal chapter in New Zealand history
Queen's Redoubt, in Pōkeno, is an historic place of great importance. The New Zealand Wars mark a defining change in the history of this country, and Queen's Redoubt was the launching pad for the July 1863 British invasion that began the Waikato War.
From July 1863 to the Battle of Rangiriri, 20–21 November of the same year, it was General Cameron's headquarters. Because of its role in the Waikato War, the scale of the old earthworks and fort, and its ideal location south of Auckland at the junction of State Highways 1 and 2, it is the best possible place to tell New Zealanders and visitors to the country the story of the Waikato campaign and the New Zealand Wars as a whole.
Knowledge of this very important part of our history — of the courage and sacrifice, and hopes and dreams, of Māori and Pākehā alike — should not just enrich our lives, but also encourage understanding of New Zealand in the 21st century.