Ruapekapeka the remaining signs of the earthworks of this well defended Pa
Ruapekaka:After signing the Treaty of Waitangi, Maori soon became disillusioned as they lost land, resources and autonomy. Between 1844 -1846 Hone Heke, the first chief to sign the Treaty cut down the flagpole flying the British flag four times. This started the Northern war. Hone Heke and his Uncle Ruki Kawiti after a series of battles severally defeated the Colonial troops Ohaeawai. The colonial troops were caught between palisades and suffered severe casualties. After this there was no fighting for some months. The British were anxious what would happen next. Their belief in European superiority over Maori shattered. Kawiti built a new well defended Pa at Ruapekapeka (the bats nest). Governor Grey had to haul supplies and heavy artillery 20Km inland through rough territory and thick bush. The British bombarded the Pa for two weeks. The Maori Ruapekapeka defenders were out number three to one. Both sides suffered few casualties. When the palisades were eventually breached, Maori escaped into the surrounding bush where the British General told his men not to follow. Grey had been drawn into a battle in the middle of nowhere and of no consequence. He declared it a victory. Some time afterwards Kawiti and Grey agreed not continue fighting. It was the last battle in the North. The land wars moved elsewhere.
Size: 4258px × 2844px
Location: Ruapekpeka
Photo credit: © Karel Lorier / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: colonial, defence, earthworks, land, maori, northern, pa, ruapekapeka, site, tapu, war, wars, zealand
