O-Rākau 300 app for iPhone and iPad

An augmented reality app which brings the famous Ōrākau battlefield to life, whether the user is in the classroom or at home.

Ōrākau 300 reveals in detail the unfinished trench works of the pā, the zig zag formations of the British and Colonial sap system. The application is a re-enactment of the battle that will provide visual and interactive form of learning.

Popularly remembered as ‘Rewis Last Stand’, the battle of Ōrākau in 1864 is perhaps the best-known battle of the New Zealand Wars. South-east of Te Awamutu lies Ōrākau and here, against Rewi Maniapoto’s better judgement, the last major battle of the Waikato Wars was fought. Rewi’s pā was built in haste and unfinished when the soldiers arrived. It was defended by 300 courageous men, women and children of various tribal nations, and although incomplete, Ōrākau was deceptively strong. Heavily outnumbered and short on ammunition water and food, the brave 300 of Ōrākau repelled five assaults by determined British soldiers.

This app recognises the New Zealand Wars and the battle of Ōrākau as a vital part of New Zealand history. The story relates to all New Zealanders as it is one of the foundations on which this country was built.