Timbertops

The battle of Kororāreka remembrance ceremony marks a key moment in the history of Aotearoa. A ceremony on a Bay of Islands hilltop at dawn today aims to preserve the memory of a war that changed New Zealand history.

Early on 11 March, 1845, fighters loyal to Ngāpuhi chief Hone Heke chopped down the flagpole at Russell, then still better known as Kororāreka, for the fourth time.

In March 2026, Timbertops are recording a new version of the song Bold John Heke, written by TJ Heraud, as a tribute to the legend of Hone Heke. Previously recorded versions are on Bandcamp by The Hoovers and The Merkins. Free downloads.

https://notthemerkins.bandcamp.com/track/hone-heke
https://thehoovers1.bandcamp.com/track/bold-john-heke
TJ Heraud's 'The Hone Heke Story' is here
https://laughingcloudrecords.co.nz/the-hone-heke-story

Right ho .. the set lists locked in. So saddle up and come on down for an evening of treats. Timbertops live + poetry reading from Doug Poole from Blackmail Press, Phill Kelly VJ is on the big screen Tickets are still available at Undertheradar.co.nz ,some door sales available at The Cellar until 8 pm. Licensed bar from the good folk at Fresh Beer Brew Co, scrummy Turkish Snacks from Zeki's Turkish Bakehouse & Cafe. Friday 8th August 7.30 pm in conjunction with the new Corbans exhibitions opening featuring; Specularium by Giles Smith, Current Moods by Jean Stewart, Places I have been
Jesu Vásquez-Lesser.