Kaikohe, New Zealand
Tourism

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Kororareka (Russell) in May 1845 he fought a battle with British troops at Lake Omapere (which is only 2m deep and is fed by hot springs near its southwest corner). The British forces suffered heavy losses, but even more Maoris were killed in the successful defense of their pa, 9km northeast of Kaikohe. A few weeks later, in battle at Ohaeawai (northeast of Kaikohe), British troops again suffered heavy losses. The battlefield is now marked by a simple little Maori church (1871) dedicated to St Michael, within the ramparts of the pa. Six months later Hone Heke was decisively defeated in the battle of Ruapekapeka.