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The recreation of trenches and a fortified pa in North Waikato is the start of a venture by local iwi to tell the true story of the Battle of Rangiriri, which happened more than 150 years ago.
In November 1863, it was one of the pivotal battles of the New Zealand Land Wars in Waikato.
The Rangiriri Historical and Cultural Heartland Project has received nearly $3 million to rebuild the battle trenches and in time open an education centre.
It will be officially opened on Saturday.
Reporter Andrew McRae visited Rangiriri and spoke to the man whose vision, nine years ago, led to the project.