Crown forces killed or wounded at Waerenga a Hika, November 1865
In late October 1865, government agent Donald McLean began planning an expedition against the Waerenga a Hika pā—a Pai Mārire community about 11 km from the European settlement at Turanga (modern-day Gisborne)—where several hundred men, as well as women and children, had sought refuge from the east coast wars. McLean raised 300 volunteers from Ngāti Porou, who were taken by steamer to Poverty Bay, where they were joined by a mixed force of Hawke's Bay Cavalry, Military Settlers and the East Cape expeditionary force.
On 10 November McLean sent an ultimatum to the pā with a list of demands: all Māori were to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen, all who had earlier "fought against the Government" were to be surrendered, everyone who did not belong to the district be expelled, and that all arms were to be surrendered. McLean warned that if the terms were not complied with, they would be attacked and deprived of their lands.
Despite appeals for peace and compromise (see www.flickr.com/photos/archivesnz/20580778764), McLean refused to meet the rangatira and the deadline passed. The government force, comprising up to 200 Europeans and 300 Māori, then moved on Waerenga a Hika on 16 November and took up positions on three sides of the pā and began a seven-day siege.
On 22 November, after a week of constant rifle fire and a number of serious engagements, artillery was used to end the siege. After two rounds were fired into the pā the garrison hoisted a white flag and 400 occupants surrendered; they were taken to Gisborne to be either released or shipped to the Chatham Islands for imprisonment. The pā was then completely destroyed (image here: ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServle...). Those of the pā suffered more than 100 dead and 100 wounded, while government losses totalled 11 dead and 20 wounded.
This image lists some of the Crown forces either killed or wounded between 17-19 November.
Archives New Zealand Reference: AAYS 8638 AD1 Box 29/ CD1865/4154
Caption information from the Waitangi Tribunal Report WAI814, 'Turanga Tangata, Turanga Whenua', 2004, and Wikipedia
Material from Archives New Zealand
Crown forces killed or wounded at Waerenga a Hika, November 1865
In late October 1865, government agent Donald McLean began planning an expedition against the Waerenga a Hika pā—a Pai Mārire community about 11 km from the European settlement at Turanga (modern-day Gisborne)—where several hundred men, as well as women and children, had sought refuge from the east coast wars. McLean raised 300 volunteers from Ngāti Porou, who were taken by steamer to Poverty Bay, where they were joined by a mixed force of Hawke's Bay Cavalry, Military Settlers and the East Cape expeditionary force.
On 10 November McLean sent an ultimatum to the pā with a list of demands: all Māori were to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen, all who had earlier "fought against the Government" were to be surrendered, everyone who did not belong to the district be expelled, and that all arms were to be surrendered. McLean warned that if the terms were not complied with, they would be attacked and deprived of their lands.
Despite appeals for peace and compromise (see www.flickr.com/photos/archivesnz/20580778764), McLean refused to meet the rangatira and the deadline passed. The government force, comprising up to 200 Europeans and 300 Māori, then moved on Waerenga a Hika on 16 November and took up positions on three sides of the pā and began a seven-day siege.
On 22 November, after a week of constant rifle fire and a number of serious engagements, artillery was used to end the siege. After two rounds were fired into the pā the garrison hoisted a white flag and 400 occupants surrendered; they were taken to Gisborne to be either released or shipped to the Chatham Islands for imprisonment. The pā was then completely destroyed (image here: ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServle...). Those of the pā suffered more than 100 dead and 100 wounded, while government losses totalled 11 dead and 20 wounded.
This image lists some of the Crown forces either killed or wounded between 17-19 November.
Archives New Zealand Reference: AAYS 8638 AD1 Box 29/ CD1865/4154
Caption information from the Waitangi Tribunal Report WAI814, 'Turanga Tangata, Turanga Whenua', 2004, and Wikipedia
Material from Archives New Zealand