1864 Charles Heaphy recommended for VC

Recommended for a Victoria Cross after rescuing a soldier under fire in 1864, Charles Heaphy was eventually awarded the decoration in 1867. This was the only VC awarded to a member of New Zealand’s colonial forces, who were supposed to be ineligible for it.

As draftsman and artist with the New Zealand Company, Heaphy is principally remembered for his reconnaissance survey down the west coast of the South Island. The 1846 journey by Thomas Brunner and Charles Heaphy was one of the most arduous in the history of New Zealand exploration. The pair travelled from Nelson down the Buller River and the West Coast as far south as Arahura. 

As Chief Surveyor to the central government at Auckland in 1864–5, his main task was to survey land confiscated following the invasion of Waikato.

Image: Charles Heaphy