Vote Here!

Imagine yourself in the shoes of the people who shaped the region.

Would you have done it differently?

Cast your vote at the eight voting stations throughout the exhibition and see how your choices stack up at the end.

The twists and turns of human decision shape Kirikiriroa Hamilton, as the twists and turns of the Waikato River shape the riverbanks!

Would you name
this place Hamilton?

Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton is known for his faith in the future of the Waikato district, believing that it will become a region second to none in Aotearoa New Zealand. In April 1864 Hamilton dies fighting for Crown and colony at the battle of Pukehinahina, near Tauranga.

Once Kirikiriroa is secured by British forces in August 1864, Paakehaa military begin to wonder if the land should be renamed to better reflect its new shape as a military settlement.

Imagine you are the 4th Waikato Regiment’s commander Colonel William Moule. You have just succeeded in gaining British control of the Waikato area. Would you rename this place ‘Hamilton’?

Ngaa mihi,

thanks for voting.

See how your choice compares to others on the screen at the end of the exhibition

Vote Here!

Would you have done it differently?

Would you name this place Hamilton?

Ngaa mihi,

thanks for voting.

Would you name
this place Hamilton?